F S Chandler, aka Suzanne or Sue Chandler, was a British schoolteacher and textbook writer, who, togetherwith Linda Bostock, wrote the "Bostock and Chandler" seriesof textbooks for advanced level mathematics in the UK. At the time shebegan the series, she was a full-time mathematics teacher at SouthgateTechnical College, London. She eventually stopped teaching courses andfocused on textbook writing. Her books have sold more than 6 millioncopies.[1] [2]
Sue Chandler became the author of Mathematics textbooks when suchbooks were the exclusive realm of men; the books became staples ofMathematics teaching throughout the world. Sue and her colleagueLinda Bostock, when teaching at Southgate Technical College in the1970s, could find no suitable textbook to supply their needs, so theydecided to write their own. Judiciously, they chose to write underthe names of L Bostock and F S Chandler. In 1984, they were notsurprised when Lord Rothschild, having named one of their books as hisDesert Island choice, described it as having been written by 'twowonderful young men’.
Sue was the daughter of Francis Rourke, a quantity surveyor, and PaulaLey, a key member of her brother Stanley's West End tailoringbusiness. Paula and her sister had married brothers, both of whomleft their young families. The sisters were helped considerably by their six brothers.
Paula found a flat overlooking Hampstead Heath and Sue went to school at the local convent. Despite failing the 11-plus, she achieved good A-level results and gained a Maths degree at Sir John Cass College, followed by a PGCE.
Six months after meeting him, Sue married Derek Chandler, an engineerwho became a patent agent. They formed a successful partnership,despite their opposing political views, and are remembered by theirnephews and nieces for their generosity and moral support.
Apart from the time spent in the north of England whilst Franciswas recuperating from injuries acquired at Dunkirk, Sue lived herwhole life in London. Sue enjoyed entertaining family and friends. After her mother’s death, she sought outher half-brother Michael and arranged for him to meet up with her partof the Rourke family. She also took on her mother’s role of keepingthe Ley family together and was instrumental in organising regular‘cousins events’. The last of these was held in September of 2023.Knowing herself to be too frail to travel, Sue insisted on hostingthis event at her home: she died as the guests arrived.
Sue was survived by her brother Colin; two daughters; three grandchildren and many cousins. Derek died in 2018, Michael in 2022 and Linda in 2012.