Jean Mary Gregory (29 May 1925 - 2 Jun 2022)

In loving memory of Jean Mary Gregory who sadly passed away on 2nd June 2022.

Jean was born in Timperley, Cheshire, in 1925, to Jack and Edna Heywood and was the eldest of five children, Ann, Margaret (Peg), Pat and John. Following a time in Gretna, Scotland, and a move to London, the family relocated to West Bridgford, Nottingham just before the start of The Second World War.

Jean began her career as a librarian in 1941, working as an assistant librarian at West Bridgford library, at times working with the mobile library service. She then studied to become a Chartered Librarian and also worked at Stapleford and Wollaton libraries. During this time she became an Akela, leading a West Bridgford cub pack.

Whilst Jean’s interest was with books, her passion was in encouraging others to read and to learn from reading. It was natural therefore that she would become a pioneer within the school library service, spending the majority of her later career at Bilborough College where she was a respected member of staff, and a mentor to many pupils.

Jean married John Sneap Gregory in 1953 and they had 43 years of very happy marriage prior to his death in 1997. She was a devoted mum to Robert and Ann, a wise Granny to Sarah, Richard, Hannah and Ella, mum-in-law to Nicky, and Auntie Jean to many.

Jean was a talented artist, lace maker, dressmaker and costume designer, she was an avid reader, was proud to be a longstanding member of the Labour Party and was particularly honoured to have been invited to the terrace of the House of Commons, representing the Library Service as a Shop Steward for NALGO.

Jean had a love of travel shared by John that continued throughout her life and that has thankfully been passed on to her children and grandchildren. As a widow, she maintained her independence and combined her love of painting with travel, spending time at water colour schools in the Inner Hebrides and rural Spain and in her latter years she loved to paint during her many trips to Rob and Nicky’s house in the South of France.

Jean was incredibly proud of the achievements of her four grandchildren. She always took a keen interest in their chosen careers and provided support and encouragement whenever she could. She will be missed by all those fortunate enough to have known her.