JANET ELIZABETH DICKINSON

Published on 09/07/2021

JANET ELIZABETH DICKINSON Aged 84, passed away on June 18th due to complications from a brain tumor. The funeral services were held at St. Mary's Church on Hayling Island. Jan was born in the “Black Country" to Evelyn and Harry Birch, and was raised with her beloved brother, Peter. As an infant, she had a rare surgery to correct a congenital hip issue and yet as a young woman, went on to win the Staffordshire Junior tennis championship. She continued to exhibit this perseverance, drive and ability to overcome obstacles the rest of her life. Jan pursued a career in education because she “loved to see children learn." She moved to Norwich to be close to her husband Stuart's family, and held several teaching positions in the area. In the 1980's, Jan was appointed head teacher at Elm Tree Middle School in Lowestoft. She built, curated, and led one of the finest schools in Suffolk - it was her crowning achievement and something from which she took incredible joy. When Jan (very reluctantly) retired, she volunteered her time and knowledge to lead the Patient Participation Group at Bridge Road Surgery in Oulton Broad as well as at the palliative care center in Lowestoft. Jan's passion for education was matched only by her huge love for her family. She spent as much time with them as possible at her and Stu's home in Oulton Broad and then Hayling Island, as well as visiting with them in St. Lucia, California, the Grand Canyon, New Zealand, New York, South Africa, and the Canary Islands. Jan will be remembered as a dignified woman of high standards, inspiring educator and leader, constant reader and student, sun worshipper, Francophile, enthusiastic yet out-of-tune singer, loyal friend, and wonderful wife, Mum and Nanna. Jan leaves behind Stuart, her dear husband of over 60 years, sons Tim and Rob, daughters-in-law Steph and Tina, and grandsons Finn, Sam and Julian. We miss her dearly.

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