Page 67 - The Gazette Autumn 2023

OBITUARY
Jean Mary Howard: A much-missed member of Midlands Branch
Jean Mary Howard (nee Shaw) was born in Erdington on 26 January 1935. Her parents were Arthur Shaw, an Old Contemptible who served in served in the Boer War and the First World War, and his wife Emily, known as “Pem”.
She attended Abbey Primary School Erdington, later being evacuated to Nottinghamshire, where
she stayed and completed her Education. It is not Known where Jean did her Training, but in 1953 she joined the QARANC (Q/1001420) and served three years.
Jean continued her career as an Industrial Nurse for Radiation Gas Fires, then moved to Fort Dunlop’s Medical Centre, until her retirement.
Jean married Clive in 1964. They owned a Caravan in Brean, Somerset where they enjoyed many Holidays with their dog, and were happily married for 44 years.
In 1981, Jean read an account in her local paper about Peggy Britton’s life in the Army. She got in touch and persuaded Peggy to join the QARANC Association and they became good friends. It turned out that Jean had served at the Royal Victoria, Netley,
As part of the United Nations, they often paraded with the veterans, including at the Cenotaph and Salford Cathedral. Jean always enjoyed theses occasions and was always well heeled.
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and Like Peggy, had nursed men who had fought in the Korean War.
The British Korean War Veterans invited Jean and Peggy to join them (they were among only four nurse members) and went on to join the organisation’s committee. As part of the United Nations, they often paraded with the veterans, including at the Cenotaph and Salford Cathedral. Jean always enjoyed theses occasions and was always well heeled.
Jean was a long-time member of the Red Cross and – knowing Peggy’s father was also an Red Cross officer – she was an obvious choice to “rope in” to help where and when needed. The friends were invited to UN headquarters in Geneva, travelling in a Midland red bus which was well past its prime. Peggy declared it a “perilous journey!” but they were well cared for whilst there.
A few years ago, Jean felt that she wasn’t coping living independently so went into care where she settled in well. Yvonne, another friend, visited often and brought with her copies of The Gazette which Jean enjoyed and kept up to date.
Jean passed peacefully on 22 January 2023. Our condolences to Betty, Vicki, family, and friends. A few of our Members were able to represent the QAs and Midland Branch at her funeral. May she rest in peace.
Sue Reading Midland Branch