Retirement
Heather died in 1943, and in 1944 Willis gave up the ownership of the school, which was transferred to a public body. She retired as headmistress in 1946, but intended to go on living at Hill House, which had been built for her in the school's grounds. This led to her chosen successor moving to another school, and Willis decided to divide her time between Hill House and a second home at 38, Tedworth Square, Chelsea, London SW3. She kept up with old pupils and continued her interests in the Bermondsey Time and Talents Settlement and in the Girl Guides movement.
After living nearly twenty years in retirement, Willis died at her London home on 11 March 1964, in her 87th year, of a perforated duodenal ulcer. She was cremated, and her ashes were buried in a memorial garden at Downe House. Her estate at death amounted to £16,510.
Read more about this topic: Olive Willis
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