Jean Kershaw

Very sadly, Jean Kershaw passed away on 16th October 2024, aged 89.

Jean and her husband John moved into the area over 40 years ago, living in Hatherton, followed by Broomhall, and then Audlem. Jean was actively involved in the WI, including two periods as President of Bridgemere WI. It was the friendship and support that Jean experienced from WI members that helped get her through the difficult times following the death of her daughter Sarah in 1987.

Before moving to the area Jean was a secondary teacher in Manchester. At one school where Jean taught for many years, she formed a life-long friendship with Shirley, her colleague in the Domestic Science department, and by all accounts they were quite a double act. It was only after Jean's death that we found out that the students' nickname for Jean and Shirley was Hinge and Bracket. Now we just wonder whether Jean was Hilda or Evadne.

After John died in 2010, in addition to WI activities, Jean enjoyed painting, going to Tarporley Arts Society, trips to Halle concerts in Manchester and quiz nights at The Lord Combermere.

After a heart attack in 2020, Jean progressively lost her mobility and relied more and more on the carers from SureCare visiting her every day. She thought the carers were marvellous, especially when they cooked her favourite dinner – roast lamb followed by sherry trifle. In her day mum was a great cook and she loved food, especially roast dinners. If there were a patron saint of the roast dinner, perhaps it could be St Jean.

She is remembered with great love and affection by her family and all those who knew her.

Memorial Service

A memorial service for Jean is being held at St James the Great Church, Audlem on 25 November at 11:30.