Christine Jones (25 Dec 1949 - 23 Jan 2022)

In loving memory of Chris Jones who sadly passed away on 23rd January 2022

Born in Hackney, to Harry and Vera lamb, she was an only child. But surrounded by lots of aunties and uncles in a loving environment.
After leaving school she wanted to teach cooking but ended up working for a travel agents in London. During this time she started dating David Jones, a brother of her long time school friend Cath, She married in 1971, moved to Ilford and in the years that followed left work to start a family and had 2 daughters.

5 years later they left Ilford to move to the country , Ashingdon. Chris started work at the local hospital in the local geriatric ward, where she was an auxiliary carer.

Chris had a passion for all animals but particularly for dogs and horses, and was never happier than when she was looking after the horses at the stables or at the shows helping her daughter compete. Chris was always taking in waifs and strays, and would treat and rehabilitate any animal or bird that needed her help. She had the patience of a saint and a natural talent for rescuing and nursing them back to health.

Chris doted on her 2 grandchildren, and loved nothing more than playing and spending time with them. Some of her fondest memories are when they all used to make the yearly trip to Gloucestershire for a weekend of camping. Too many fun stories to share.

In 2011 Chris unfortunately ended up wheelchair dependant, after losing the use of her legs. But like the strong brave woman she was, she shrugged her shoulders and took it on the chin and got on with life, still yearly trips camping, still nursing animals in need, still cooking amazing family meals, still spoiling her family and friends.
Although she loved tending to her garden every day and adored the sunshine, her favourite time of year was Christmas, where she thoroughly spoiled everyone rotten, turning her living room into a grotto that father Christmas would be jealous of, and ordering every kind of Christmas food you can imagine.

She was a strong, brave, independent, inspirational loving and caring lady, who was a privilege to know.

Honouring my mum. A devoted mum, wife and nan.

My mum has left me with endless, precious memories and stories that mum loved to tell. The thought of mum growing up in her teens and early twenty's in the 60's makes me smile. Mum wearing her mini skirts and high heels, making sure she looked her best. Growing up I was only used to seeing mum in trousers and welly boots, prepared for being around the horses. I would have loved to have been there alongside my mum at that time, especially when she used to follow my dad around in the bars and clubs, watching my dad play the drums in his band. My favourite story of all, is how she met my dad, where her friend and (unknown then) future sister in law Cath, says "my brother will look after you", on the coach trip to Margate, the rest was history. Mum used to say that my dad was her best friend, as well as her husband. ❤
The Beatles was my mums favourite band growing up and we enjoyed sharing there music and many tribute shows together.
Mum used to talk about being an only child but growing up, there was always extended family around. Neighbour's and aunts would gossip with her beloved nan, who she adored. Even as a child, my mum was always keeping herself busy, she said she would always come home from school and start the dinner, or put the fire on, before my nan got home. My mum was a great cook and said she would have loved to have become a cookery teacher after leaving school. Mum would always make the most wonderful Xmas cake and roast dinners.
Looking back I hardly remember my mum sitting down, she always seemed to be doing something. Whether it was looking after the home, her family, work, or being around the animals. When mum did get time to herself, she had a love of watching the original Poldark series and programs, also programs that had David Jason or John Thaw in. Cornwall was always a beautiful place to her and often talked about wanting to visit. The Tudor history was also a great love too. I Remember one time, my daughter was the only that went to her school trip, wearing a full on Tudor dress and accessories, rather than a servants outfit, all the other children were wearing.
My mum never really drank and never smoked but was a lover of her cups of tea. Always amazed me, how many sugars and milk went into her tea and if you made her one that, wasn't up to sctratch by being to stewed, she would always jokingly, make a funny face when trying it. There would also be a pack of rich tea biscuits on standby too.
I have many fond memories of Caravan holidays over the years, mum often mentioned how much she loved the sea.
Mum loved babies and this showed through, as soon as she become a nan to Sophia and Hannah. She adored them both and would never say no, to looking after them. Mum was such a hands on nan and would go above and beyond, to make sure they were happy, safe and spoilt. Not only in material items but in her time, love and patients. Christmas was always a special time, mum loved her sparkle and when it came to presents, it would take you all day to open all her gifts and work through the endless array of food and drink options.
Mum always put others first, before herself and was an incredibly strong woman. I am so blessed to have had such an amazing mum to have had and to look up to. I look forward to telling my grandchildren all about their great nan and carry
on her memory.
Thank you mum for always being there for Sam and I and the girls. I know you knew how much we loved and adored you.
I will carry on our mutual love of the garden and I will try to live up to your standards of knowledge and care of flowers and plants 🌻.
Love you mum, not a day will pass, that I won't thinking of you. ❤🐘 XxX