In 1943, deferring her place to study at Oxford University, my mother, Jean Stewart, who has died aged 90, began teaching at her old school, Blackburn high school for girls, in Lancashire, and the local technical college. It was at the latter, while teaching German, that she met her future husband, George, who was one of her pupils – German being essential for his London University specialist chemistry degree.
After the war, with the help of her local MP Barbara Castle, who intervened to support Jean’s grant application, she took up her place to study English at St Hilda’s College. She flourished there under Helen Gardner, Dorothy Whitelock, Nevill Coghill and JRR Tolkien.
Education was a large part of Jean’s life. Fifty years ago she helped set up a playgroup near our family’s home in Crayford, Kent. An ardent supporter of adult learning, in the early 1950s she joined the classes at Crayford Manor House, and she was still attending nearly 60 years later, having become the secretary of the student body. She enjoyed her courses in French, Italian, history and the liberal arts, particularly opera, and was a fan of the voice of Kathleen Ferrier, another Blackburnian. Jean was a keen traveller, and loved music, theatre and poetry, and her garden.
She was born in Blackburn, the elder daughter of Stephen and Lily Robinson. After their marriage in 1949, she and George settled in Crayford. With exacting and high expectations, Jean instilled a sense of learning and above all a love of reading in her seven children. From our parents, we received a rich and exciting education.
Our mother had an absolute sense of justice for all and was made an honorary life member of the United Nations Association in recognition of her work. She worked at Dartford Citizens’ Advice Bureau, and the Crayford Information Centre. Jean was a member of organisations including Soroptomist, Probus and the Mothers’ Union, a volunteer at the National Trust property the Red House and, in her 80s, vice-chair of the local Labour party. As chair of the friends of St Paulinus, her local church, she raised awareness of the rich history of the church and town.
She is survived by George, their children, Elizabeth, Alistair, William, Rosemary, Andrew, James and me, and 11 grandchildren. Her sister, Sheila, predeceased her.
