Jean Mountford (7 Jan 1925 - 15 Sep 2020)

In loving memory of Jean Mountford who sadly passed away on 15th September 2020
Many of you will know that mum was proud of her Welsh ancestry. She was born in Swansea and was the only girl in the Blakeman family. . She had three brothers but she was especially close to her younger brother, Ted.
When she was nine, her Father became Station Master in Redditch, Worcestershire so they up sticks and moved there. At school she enjoyed Maths and loved sport. She represented her school playing tennis but also liked to swim, cycle and do ballroom dancing.
When she left school, Mum joined the Midland Bank as a cashier but because she had passed various exams in shorthand and touch typing, she quickly became the Manager’s secretary.
On Saturday mornings, just before closing time, a young man would always charge in for money. That was my dad! He was in digs over the road from mum. One day, he was fixing his car, when mum walked by on the way to the corner shop to buy some pop. Dad asked mum if she’d like a lift. She said yes and .....Graham and I are very pleased she did!
In due course, I arrived, followed three years later by Graham. We were still in Redditch but not long after, we moved down to Dibden Purlieu in the New Forest where we stayed for five enjoyable years. Then dad got another job- this time in Huddersfield - somewhere in the wilds of ‘the north’! Dad found Far View Bank - a new estate on the top of a hill with the most fantastic view. All the neighbours were new and everyone became close friends. Mum would often go to coffee mornings or afternoon tea.
After a few years, mum rejoined the Midland Bank at Cloth Hall St, and became a cashier once again. She enjoyed and took pride in her work, making friends with people who were younger than herself. She also became a member of the Townswomen’s Guild and was Chairman for a time.
After many years, mum eventually retired and she and dad continued to enjoy their life together. They were devoted to their grandchildren and often travelled down to Slough to baby sit. They also holidayed in more unusual places such as Rumania and Czechoslovakia and more far afield places like Canada - a favourite for them both. They also loved France and went there yearly.

Sadly, dad died in 2005. Mum missed him terribly. As usual, her common sense prevailed and she decided to accept every invitation possible. Her friends were a fantastic support to her. She would go to Graham’s every Christmas and to my house in the summer. There she’d be able to catch up with her southern relations and friends.
Mum and dad were so happily married. They loved each other dearly and Graham and I were so lucky to have them as parents.