It is with sadness that we have received the news that Diana Webster died on Palm Sunday 2026, at the age of 95.

The Revd Canon Tuomas Mäkipää, Area Dean and Chaplain at St Alban's Anglican Church, Copenhagen was the Chaplain of Helsinki 2012-2024.  He writes:

Diana Webster (née Colman) was born in 1930 and was educated at the University of Oxford, where she studied English language and literature. Her early life and education formed the foundation of a career that would span many decades, both in the field of education and in the life of the Church. In 1952, Diana came to Finland through a placement connected with the British Council, initially working in Turku. What began as a temporary assignment became a lifelong journey. She became widely known for her work as an educator, writer, and contributor to language learning.

Diana Webster worked as a lecturer and teacher of English language and literature, and she became particularly well known for her contribution to English-language education in Finland. Over the course of her life, she wrote an extensive body of educational material, including a large number of English textbooks and learning resources, many of which were used by generations of students — including myself. Her work contributed significantly to the teaching of English in Finland and reflected both academic expertise and a practical understanding of learning.

In addition to her work in education, Diana was also active as a writer and translator. She produced creative work for radio and contributed to cultural life through her writing and translation. In later years, she wrote memoirs reflecting on her early experiences in Finland, including Finland Forever, published in Finnish as Ikuisesti Suomi: Turku/Åbo 1952–1953, a work which describes post-war Finland through the eyes of a young English teacher newly arrived in the country.

Diana’s life was also marked by committed service within the Church of England. She served as a lay member of the Church of England General Synod, including on the Panel of Chairs and in various working groups. Her example as a lay leader in the Church, and her commitment to taking the life of the Church forward, also helped to pave the way for women’s ministry. She also contributed to the work of the Diocese in Europe, including serving as a member of the Diocesan Synod and as a director of the Diocese in Europe Board of Finance. She contributed greatly to the life of the Anglican Chaplaincy of St Nicholas in Helsinki. During my time as Chaplain, I enjoyed and benefited greatly from her wisdom and encouragement.

She was recognised for her contribution and public service with the award of an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire). In 2012, she received the Royal Maundy in recognition of her service to the community.

Diana Webster’s life was one of remarkable longevity and consistent dedication: to education, to writing, and to service. She will be remembered with gratitude by her family and those who knew her personally, by those who worked alongside her in the Church, and by the many people who benefited from her professional contribution over the decades. Two of her publications, So Many Everests and the radio play If a Mountain Rose Before Her, She Would Start to Climb, bring to mind the words of the Psalmist:

Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
And who shall stand in his holy place?
Those who have clean hands and pure hearts,
who do not lift up their souls to what is false,
and do not swear deceitfully. (Psalm 24:3–4)

May she rest in peace and rise in glory.