Sheila Fraser, who taught music all over the world and supported her air attaché husband in his diplomatic missions, has died suddenly at the age of 79.

Mrs Fraser was born in Steeton, near Skipton, Yorkshire and was educated at Keighley Girls’ Grammar School.

By the time she was 14 she was an accomplished pianist and organist and played organ at the chapel in Steeton.

She studied at Eaton Hall teachers’ training college in Retford and became a music teacher. While still studying she met Malcolm Fraser, a cadet at nearby RAF College, Cranwell, in May 1954.

Although Mrs Fraser found teaching work in Harold Hill, Essex, the couple continued meeting and were married at Steeton chapel on December 28, 1957. Because they were under 25, they were not given married quarters but the couple overcame all setbacks and had three children, Duncan, born in 1960, Ian, born in 1962, and Katriona, born in 1966.

They moved to Wiltshire when Mr Fraser, formerly a jet fighter pilot, was transferred to flying transport aircraft and was posted to RAF Lyneham.

When he was moved to RAF Upavon the couple moved to Urchfont, where they stayed.

But it was their foreign postings that defined their marriage. In 1969 they went to Trenton, Ontario, when Mr Fraser went on an exchange with the Canadian Air Force.

After nearly three years they returned when Mrs Fraser took on teaching jobs at Wansdyke Primary School in Devizes and Dauntsey’s Aided Primary School in West Lavington.

Then they were posted successively to Rome, Oslo and Amman in Jordan, spending three years in each posting.

Mrs Fraser rose to the challenges, teaching at local international schools and entering the whirl of diplomatic entertaining with gusto. Her friendliness and sympathy made her universally popular and many younger diplomats sought her out for advice and support.

They made lifelong friends in Norway and were persuaded to buy a lakeside chalet 100 miles from Oslo, which became a regular haunt for them. Mrs Fraser loved swimming in the lake and watching the birdlife that visited the area.

Mrs Fraser’s increasing arthritis finally made them sell up in Norway and settle down in Urchfont. Mrs Fraser doted on her two grandchildren, William and Timothy, who live in Salisbury.

A service in celebration of her life will take place at St Michael’s Church in Urchfont on Monday at noon.