A former headmistress and her husband took their own lives after they were unable to cope following a stroke which had left her ‘severely disabled’, an inquest has heard.
Mary Lawson, who was also a former canon of Leicester Cathedral, and her husband Sean, 50, were found dead at their home in Wiggins Close, Rugby, in May this year.
Mrs Lawson, 63, and her husband sent a time-delayed email to the police which was titled ‘apologies for this’ which went on to add ‘this means we are no longer in this world having passed over’.
Police found Mrs Lawson, who had worked for the Church of England before becoming head of Leicester’s first Hindu school Krishna Avanti, holding the hand of her husband.
Mary Lawson, who was also a former canon of Leicester Cathedral, and her husband Sean, 50, were found dead at their home in Wiggins Close, Rugby, in May this year
Mrs Lawson had suffered a stroke 18 months prior to her death which had resulted in ‘some disability to her mobility’
Detective Inspector Paul Thompson, from Warwickshire Police, spoke at the hearing. He said: ‘After gaining entry we found Mr and Mrs Lawson in their bed, both clearly deceased, and at 2.18pm were confirmed as dead.
‘There was nothing to suggest anyone else was involved.’
Mrs Lawson had suffered a stroke 18 months prior to her death which had resulted in ‘some disability to her mobility’ and the inquest heard that as an independent woman, she was left distressed at the circumstances her stroke had left her in.
The inquest heard she had tried a number of different therapies and treatments, all which had proved unsuccessful.
Warwickshire Coroner Sean McGovern ruled the pair had taken their own lives by asphyxiation.
He said: ‘This is a very sad inquest about a married couple. Mr Sean Lawson, who was 50, held a responsible job at a local council and Mrs Mary Lawson, who was 63, also held responsible jobs as head teacher at a number of schools.
Mary Lawson was also a former canon at Leicester Cathedral
Mrs Lawson also worked at Leicester’s first Hindu school Krishna Avanti before her stroke
‘Sadly, however, she had a very debilitating stroke. She went from someone that was very fit and health to someone severely disabled.
‘It is my verdict that Mr and Mrs Lawson have taken their own lives.’
For confidential support call the Samaritans in the UK on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here for details
Sorry we are not currently accepting comments on this article.