Jean Hay (21 Nov 1923 - 21 Jun 2016)

In loving memory of Jean Hay who passed away peacefully on the 21st June 2016, aged 92 years.
Jean was born on 21 November 1923 at Leek , Staffs to Nellie and Sidney Hay. She was the eldest of three children; sister to Arthur and Norma. Between 1934 and 1942, Jean studied at King Edward VII County Grammar School, Melton Mowbray where she was head girl during her final year. Then followed a period of teacher training at Westhill Training College, Selly Oak, Birmingham, where she took a very active part in the Student Christian Movement Group.
After qualifying, Jean took up positions as a Primary School teacher, initially at Corby in Northamptonshire and latterly in Melton Mowbray. Despite the difficulties of wartime travel between Corby and her home in Melton, she recounted these as happy years during a time of considerable national uncertainty.
Unwavering in her Christian faith, she entered the Methodist Overseas Missionary Service with the initial intention of serving in China. Political upheavals there however called for a rethink, and so it became India that benefitted from China's loss. Between 1948 and 1986, Jean served diligently the country and people of India whom she loved intently. She worked in several locations in South India including Madurantakam near Madras (Chennai) and latterly Arulagam near Madurai giving shelter and support to abused women. In so doing, she became fluent in Tamil, causing considerable bewilderment to unknowing Tamils
In 1986, Jean retired to Saffron Walden in Essex where she was close to her brother Arthur and his wife Mary. She became a well known and popular character in the town, most notably through her strong association with Saffron Walden Methodist Church. Ever strong in intellect and mental well-being, advancing years took their physical toll leading to her decision to enter the newly built MHA Willowcroft Care Home at Spondon, near Derby in 2011.
Jean was an avid traveller and has visited countless countries where she gained innumerable friends. Throughout her life she was unwavering in her faith and commitment to the Methodist tradition. She is fondly remembered as fun loving, always with a smile and never a grumble or criticism of her fellow man. She is sadly missed though with the thankful assurance that she is at last at peace with the Lord she loved and served so faithfully all her life.

In accordance with her final wishes, there will be a service of Thanksgiving for Jean's life at 1.pm at Spondon Methodist Church on 21 July, preceded by committal at Loughborough Crematorium at 11.45 am. For further information, please contact A. W. Lymn and Co, Funeral Directors, 31 Chapel Side, Spondon, DERBY DE21 7 JQ, telephone 01332 544 666