Jean McGowan

My favourite memory is Jeans escapism. You would be in the middle of a chore and she would come up to your side and say.. . Oh are you washing up. I was going to do that! Or .. oh are you vacuuming I was going to do that. The second best was . While you are over there can you just ...... lol. Miss it already Omies

So sad at the loss of a lovely lady and friend. So sorry that we couldn’t come to say goodbye but you will always be in our hearts Jean and never forgotten. A comical thing happened to us. You invited us to your home in Ossett for a meal and we said yes that would be lovely. We decided that we would bring the pudding but unfortunately when we arrived we knocked on the door with the pudding in our hands and you had forgotten that we were coming! The dinner was eaten without us but we did enjoy sharing the lemon meringue pie! Happy memories Jean. All our love to all your family, you will be greatly missed by everyone. xx

A few specific happy days I remember spending with Jean! The 1st and definitely the most memorable day, for all the wrong reasons is when Jean came with me to M&S, Camberley, many years ago now. It was a VERY VERY long day. I mainly pushed my mum Eileen (who also much loved Jean) around in her wheelchair and Jean was saddled with Marge (she’s not a saint that woman!) and her walker. Marge (bless her) grumbled all the way around the shop, knocking things off the rails and bumping into people; how Jean kept her cool and carried on was beyond me…we had lots of giggles that day as we caused chaos in the store. Since then we’ve had lots of laughs about it over the years and just how exhausted we both were when we finally got home. Mum and Margaret had only spent about £20 between them! What an amazing friend she was to me, especially on that day... Another special day was when I organised an afternoon tea for Jean and Pammie’s birthdays. Pammie is a mutual friend of ours here in Woking. It was a fab afternoon, about 8 of us as I recall, Anne of course, Mary too. We all sat around telling stories in the garden. A perfect summer afternoon and we know how much Jean liked a scone, or is it scoone! Another time I have such fond memories of was when, Me, Martin and Billy Boots (our slightly naughty Goldendoodle pup) met up with Jean and Anne a couple of summers ago near Falmouth on Swanpool Beach. We had a great catch-up with a latte (naturally) and possibly an ice cream too 😙Billy loved Jean and was always up for lots of cuddles; he knew the feeling was mutual. So, it’s been easy remembering times with Jean because I always looked forward to seeing her, loved her without question and I will miss her, like so many others. My mum Eileen who was 92 got to know her through me when Anne brought her over and they became good pals. Mum always seemed so, so much older than Jean. I used to love hearing them chattering and laughing away together when Mum came to live with us, 5 years ago now. Jean used to ring her quite regularly too. It’s a special thing to get on so well with our dear friend Anne’s mum too and I cherished our relationship. We always had a good laugh, but more importantly than that for me, she always listened and made me feel special and I would leave her loved and appreciated. Bye for now Jean, see you soon. You’ve enhanced our lives. Much love Jill, Martin and Billy Boots xx

Affectionately called ‘Omes’ in our house (our own Yorkshire variation of Oma with just a pinch of honorary Homewood) Jean will be remembered for her playful spirit, her boundless courage and her infectious chuckling….oh and the fact that she repeatedly called me on the telephone when she meant to ring ‘the other Wendy’. Despite the age difference we had a very similar sense of humour, so a few years ago when she was in the hospital and I asked if I could do anything for her, she suggested I could perhaps bring her something to read. I grabbed the usual grapes and a sudoku book…and a trilogy that had been on offer in Morrisons for a mere £9.99. I popped the books on her hospital tray describing them as a fiction that had become recently popular - ‘a gripping unconventional workplace drama, where everyone owns way more suits than necessary!’ She only got round to reading the first of the books on day 2, by which time they had been on her tray, for the world to see, for a good 24 hours. Never has Fifty Shades of Grey given me so much amusement. When she realised she gave me a disapproving look - I’m sure we all know the one - and then the smile crept in, then the laughter and then the tears. She took it like a the good sport she was. A smart, strong and sensitive soul, and always young at heart, Omes, we’ll miss you xx

Affectionately called ‘Omes’ in our house (our own Yorkshire variation of Oma with just a pinch of honorary Homewood) Jean will be remembered for her playful spirit, her boundless courage and her infectious chuckling….oh and the fact that she repeatedly called me on the telephone when she meant to ring ‘the other Wendy’. Despite the age difference we had a very similar sense of humour, so a few years ago when she was in the hospital and I asked if I could do anything for her, she suggested I could perhaps bring her something to read. I grabbed the usual grapes and a sudoku book…and a trilogy that had been on offer in Morrisons for a mere £9.99. I popped the books on her hospital tray describing them as a fiction that had become recently popular - ‘a gripping unconventional workplace drama, where everyone owns way more suits than necessary!’ She only got round to reading the first of the books on day 2, by which time they had been on her tray, for the world to see, for a good 24 hours. Never has Fifty Shades of Grey given me so much amusement. A smart, strong and sensitive soul, and always young at heart, Omes, we’ll miss you xx

This message Comes from my heart for all the family of my precious friend Jean..we've had some wonderful times together..have lovely memories..she has visited me while I was in natal..johannesburg..and capetown..it's time I can treasure..I want to thank you all for our great friendship..and trust our heavenly father wraps his arms around you all as you greaves the passing of such a wonderful person..condolences and much prayer..lots of love.

This message Comes from my heart for all the family of my precious friend Jean..we've had some wonderful times together..have lovely memories..she has visited me while I was in natal..johannesburg..and capetown..it's time I can treasure..I want to thank you all for our great friendship..and trust our heavenly father wraps his arms around you all as you greaves the passing of such a wonderful person..condolences and much prayer..lots of love.

This message Comme from my heart for all the family of my precious friend Jean..we've had some wonderful times together..have lovely memories..she has visited me while I was in natal..johannesburg..and capetown..it's time I can treasure..I want to thank you all for our great friendship..and trust our heavenly father wraps his arms around you all as you greaves the passing of such a wonderful person..condolences and much prayer..lots of love.

Sooo many memories mum laughed til she cried literally. This particular day we all had some fish and chips and when we finished mum popped out for 5 mins. Knowing mum we gathered any bits...those in the know bits are batter crumbs.... and placed them in an untidy pile on the tablecloth and cleared everything else away. We knew what would happen and waited with baited breath. Mum breezed back in through the door put down what she had in her hands and spotted the untidy pile of batter crumbs... "Ooooo crummy crumbs" she said as licked her finger placed it in the pile and proceed to eat the lot... We all howled!!!!! Ever since "oooooooo crumby crumbs" has been in regular use along with laughter.

My favourite Aunty Always bubbly, cracking jokes and making me laugh. Never judging me I will always remember her kindness God bless her xxxx

In loving memory of our dear mother,granny may your humble and gentle soul rest in perfect peace Aameen peace We love u granny xxxx❤️❤️❤️

I’m writing this with heavy heart due to the passing away of my dear friend,granny,and mum.u are such an amazing person that I have ever met granny I pray that your humble and gentle soul rest in perfect peace Aameen Love u ❤️❤️❤️

Jean and I used to tease eachother mercilessly about our accents and the north /south divide - always with fun and much affection. I used to love her stories of Africa in particular, and always enjoyed sitting in the sun with her and Anne, chatting as we watched and listened to the wildlife around - including the stunningly beautiful bumble bees at Crown Cottage in north Wales. Treasured times.

Hi there Jean this is the part when we say something nice about you !! To be fair that is not a difficult task Caring,Sharing loving and a good all round egg. We have been through quite a few dramas together and landed coming through with a good laugh at the end of it all. Will miss my pal more than I can say Forty years of friendship and all good Bye for now maybe we will meet in another life who knows Love Penny ❤️

Jean was the glue of the family, kept us all together. She always was so kind to me and we both love elephants 🐘. She always added to my collection and like the elephant never forgot me. Both Evy and I will remember her kindness and thoughtfulness. She had her quirks but don't we all. I will remember her looking after me in Chester while my mother was at work. And the trips down to Cornwall will never be forgotten. She'll be missed very much

To all of the family of my precious friend Jean..my love prayers and condolences to you all..it's a very sad moment to hear that Jean had passed..we my family have such beautiful and fun memories of our time together when she visited us in south Africa on holidays..we spent time in natal..johannesburg..and capetown..enjoying some most wonderful times together...she's going to be very sadly missed leaving a big hole in our hearts...we shall meet up very soon..I know you are in the best place ever..with all my love..xxxx

So many memories, my lovely mum. Sitting at Ramster Gardens with a bacon butty, Fishing in Lake Kyle and you caught all the fish to the annoyance of the men in the boat! Feeding the Shrike and the Lilac breasted Roller in Rhodesia, watching wonderful South African sunsets and your amazing relationship with Ben and Ellie. So many Drakie concerts, you were so proud of your grandson. Sitting in Helens lounge with a French stick and cheese and laughing until tears streamed down your face. We were always trying to get you to laugh until you cried, you always obliged! Love you mum, you will be sorely and heartbreakingly missed.

I have an old memory of auntie Jean's dogs and recall them in quite contrasting ways. When I was little she had this yappy dog called Paddy. A little thing but to a small kid pretty terrifying and I used to worry for days about paddy before visiting. In contrast, a few years later Blue came along - much better company!

It was really special to spend Jeans last evening with her. Despite it being in a crowded Pinderfields ward, with no free drinks (unless you had the cheeky charm of my dad to get a tea from the nurses!) and some strange noises from nearby beds (!) it felt like a special gathering somehow to hold auntie Jean's hand and have a little conversation with her, and with the family together (including uncle Richard on the phone). I will remember this fondly in a way, despite the setting.

I will always remember Jean putting up with all the noise & laughter at our get togethers & her laid back attitude to life. She always joined in & made everyone feel at ease. She enjoyed socialising & we've spent many hours over the years happily reminiscing over the olden days. She will be sadly missed by all of us xx