Elizabeth Reeves, November 4th 2021
It was a fine, sunny and breezy day in Kenfig Hill, South Wales, when Jennifer was born, on Wednesday the 1st March 1944 – St David’s Day (the patron saint of Wales).
The daffodils were blooming – which has more relevance than you might first think.
Jennifer adored daffodils all her life.
The eldest of four sisters brought up by Spencer and Myrtle Harrow, Jennifer’s father was a miner. Her mother, Myrtle, is with us today. However, when she was three years old the family moved to Baseford in Nottingham, when her father joined the Police force.
A bright clever girl, she had a happy childhood along with her sisters Shirley, Janet and Kathryn.
Jennifer’s first job after leaving school, was as an Accounts Clerk for the local Electricity Board, though this was not for Jennifer at all. Her lifelong love of reading led her to become a trainee librarian, working at the Nottingham Regional College of Technology….her future career decided.
It was the end of 1963, at a dance at the Sherwood Rooms, that Jennifer was to meet Jim, he was visiting his parents, who lived locally. A date was arranged for the following weekend – which meant Jim, who lived in Walsall, had to travel 50 miles – with no car. When he arrived – Jennifer had stood him up!!
A few months later fate led them to meet again…and that as they say, was that!
Jim travelled over from Walsall every Friday throughout their courtship -with them marrying on the 27th February 1965, the start of their long and happy marriage.
When asked later why she stood Jim up – Jennifer replied.
‘I always did that, just to see how keen they were!!’
Well, I think we can all assume that Jim was keen!!
Jennifer and Jim lived quite an adventurous nomadic lifestyle, travelling and living across the world. Peter was born in Birmingham, Jon in Swaziland. The family also lived in Watford, Hertfordshire, and also Brussels for many years…before retiring in Skegness 21 years ago. ‘Every time I put down roots, Jim pulls me up’ Jennifer was often heard to say!
She loved the destination rather than the journey, suffering greatly from travel sickness.
A quiet force, supportive. A peacemaker.
Jennifer always knew the right words, a warm, loving, kind lady – who adored her family and friends.
A loving wife, mother, mother in law and grandmother of Katia, Anya, Ellen, Myles and William.
Jennifer’s life was defined by the ones she loved.
In recent years U3A in Skegness has played a large part in Jennifer’s life.
She made many friends and has left a legacy of care and commitment in the heart of her family and community.
Every one of you will have your own personal memories of Jennifer.
Our lives are like jigsaws.Each piece touches the next, and each piece is needed to complete the picture. You are all part of Jennifer’s life jigsaw – she is a part of yours.
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