Jane was a warm, radiant soul, compassionate, sensitive and generous. Easy-going with a lovely sense of humour, she was fun to be with. Often she’d burst out laughing and bring her hand to cover her face, as she tried to control her laughter, wiping tears of joy from her eyes. She was a wonderful, sociable and empathetic individual who took a genuine interest in others. She brought joy and happiness into people’s lives. There’s no doubt she enriched mine.
She was a born teacher. An international athlete, she could not have been happier, as she devoted her life, as Head of Department, to teaching PE in Lincolnshire. Fortunate were the students taught by Jane. After she retired, former pupils would often stop to chat with her and reminisce over the wonderful times they’d had at school.
Free from the constraints of not being able to wear jewellery at work because of the role she played, she made up for it away from the sports field. Consequently, she adorned herself with bracelets, bangles, rings, earrings and necklaces. Going through airport customs could be quite a trial for Jane! However, whatever she wore was invariably colour co-ordinated and matched her jewellery perfectly. She always looked beautiful.
Jane loved France. Chassignolles, a little village tucked away in the beautiful Auvergne, had a special place in Jane’s heart. From the time she and Trevor bought a delightful home there, Jane found her natural habitat. She loved speaking French. She and Trevor became part of the community, taking part in many local activities. They forged special relationships with many of the villagers, especially Alain and Joelle, with whom they shared a lifelong bond. Returning to France was a sheer joy for Jane.
Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, in the love she gave, and in the loving family she leaves behind. Jane will never be forgotten but rather remembered for the beautiful individual that she was. I, like many others, will miss her.
Ken Topham
24/09/2025
