Jean Westwood
September 1931 – March 2023
The village is sad to announce the passing of Jean Westwood on March 29th, aged 91.
Jean hailed from Birmingham and she and her husband Eric moved to East Farndon from the West Midlands in January 1982 during heavy snow. Later that same evening, they battled their way up Marston Lane to attend the pantomime in the village hall!
As soon as Jean moved to the village she joined East Farndon Women’s Institute, volunteering to stand on the committee in September 1983. She took over as President on 4th November 1986, switching to Treasurer for several years, then she took over as President again until the group folded in 2021.
She is remembered by W I members as being strong, capable, kind and immensely considerate. She always put others’ needs before her own and had the tact and diplomacy of a politician! She kept a sensible head when those around her were losing theirs and she had a thirst and appreciation of history that surprised you!
She was an exceptional cook and baker; her shortbread was to die for and she frequently used these skills to produce a token of thanks for others or as a donation to the local hospice. In the photograph above, Jean is receiving an embroidery of W I members’ names on behalf of East Farndon W I. This is on permanent display in the village hall.
Jean worked tirelessly for the village, cleaning the church and the village hall amongst many other things. She also worked hard to raise money for good causes through her baking, organising of rummage sales and volunteering for Age Concern.
Jean supported every village event, and she will be sadly missed, not only for all her hard work but also for the twinkle in her eye!
The village sends its condolences to her husband Eric.