Page 69 - QARANC Vol 20 No 4 2023

The Gazette QARANC Association 69
officers in the Army and RAF respectively and, while serving at Millbank, she made the decision to leave active service in 1976.
In 1977, she became the deputy Regimental Secretary for the QARANC Association - then based in The Royal Pavilion in Aldershot. She had a broad remit, working tirelessly on the benevolent side, managing the accounts as treasurer, editing the Gazette, and managing and upgrading the QARANC museum as the curator.
Jill subsequently took on the role of Regimental Secretary and General Secretary of the Association. This was a job tailored to her talents and, to her delight, also enabled her to bring her dog to work. One of her dogs, Lulu, was infamous for swallowing the false teeth of a staff member which had been left in a glass of water.
She left in October 1996 when she reached retirement age and in recognition of her selfless dedication to the Corps and work helping others, she was awarded an MBE. For many years she remained an active member of the Aldershot Branch of the Association, was an honorary member of the Milbank Branch and worked as a volunteer for the Soldiers’ and Sailors Family Association. In 2003 she accepted the appointment of Vice Patron of QARANC Association.
Family, friends, Yorkshire and the Corps were the cornerstones of Jill’s life. She was a loyal friend and a loving and supportive stepmother to Alexandra and Caroline, and aunt to Joanne, Debbie and Robert.
Jill lived a full life. Her stories of life in the QAs were funny, affectionate and full of adventure. She was a force of nature – always looking to make friendships and going the extra mile to help others. As a true northern lass she perfected the art of being able to talk to anyone and put people at their ease - young or old.
Even when Alzheimer’s started to exert its grip on her she still enjoyed going out, being with the family and meeting her wonderful friends. And whilst
the last two years in her nursing home, during Covid, were incredibly difficult she remained engaged with the staff and residents and importantly continued to make people laugh.
She will be greatly missed by all who knew her and were touched by her love and kindness.
Caroline Johnstone (Nee Machray)
In recognition of her selfless dedication to the Corps and work helping others, she was awarded an MBE.
The Last Post
Jean Howard, Midland Branch, 22 January 2023
Lady Patricia Swinfen MBE, HQ, 09 February 2023
Maj (Retd) Mo Humphreys TD, Wales Branch, 11 February 2023
Audrey Clark, HQ, 07 February 2023
Patricia Joan Cook, Northern Branch, 23 February 2023 Reverend Sherry Bloomer, Chester Branch, 06 March 2023 Maj (Retd) Margaret Ingham TD, Millbank Branch,
16 March 2023
Sheila Clark, Millbank Branch, April 2023
Gillian Bourne, Northern Branch, 16 April 2023
Lt Col (Retd) Rosemary Martin RRC, South Downs Branch,
28 April 2023
Col (Retd) Margaret Agate RRC, HQ, 29 April 2023
Alan Hilton, May 2023
Sheila Rowlinson, 19 May 2023
Janet (Nita) Mantle, Scotland Branch, 28 May 2023
Jacky Purvis, 30 May 2023
Sue Lewis, 10 June 2023
Vera Hay Legion d’honneur, Northern Branch, 18 June 2023 Kate Eardley OStJ, Wales Branch, 22 July 2023
Our sympathy and condolences to families and friends