Obituaries
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Mary Fanny Jones (Tweed 1931-38) 11 August 1920 – 11 March 2017
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After a very long, full life Mary passed away at home in Lexden aged 96 years. Her CCHS education finished in 1939 and she went on to be a teacher and married Charles Jones, also a teacher, in 1947. They had four children to whom Mary gave her loving care as well as interests in music, local and family history, Women’s Institute, Colchester Recalled, astronomy and natural history. She nursed Charles when he was ill, but he died 15 years ago. When she became less able herself the family took it in turns to help her remain in her own home. At her funeral members of her family gave us interesting glimpses into her many loves and activities.
Ruth Greenwold (Motum 1941-48)
Mary’s daughter Hazel Luscombe (Jones) 1961-68 writes:
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My mother died at the age of 96 and her funeral took place on 6th April 2017. After leaving CCHS, Mary attended Goldsmith’s College to train as a teacher. Following the outbreak of World War 2, the entire College was evacuated to Nottingham University for her final year. During her first teaching post in the London area, she was also evacuated with her school to Lancashire.
After the war, Mary taught Maths at Welling Secondary School in Kent, where she met her husband Charles Jones. After their marriage in 1947, Mary was obliged to give up teaching as married women were not allowed in the classroom at that time. Following the birth of Graham and Hazel, their first two children, Mary was eventually able to return to teaching in 1955, when she accepted a part-time post at CCHS in the Grey Friars building on East Hill (above). She took a further break for the birth of two more children, Stella and Teresa, before resuming her teaching career, initially as a supply teacher at local primary schools, and then at Colchester Royal Grammar School. Mary remained a maths teacher for many years, although she finished her working life as a book-keeper/wages clerk for her brother Frank Tweed, at Lufax Motor Repair Works in Colchester.
During her long and fruitful retirement, Mary immersed herself in a variety of activities and organisations, often with her husband until his death in 2002. She belonged to U3A, the Engineering Society, Colchester Recalled, Essex Family History Society, Lexden Local History Society and the Old Girls’ Association. Having developed a passionate interest in local and family history, Mary became a lecturer for the WEA, often inspiring adult learners with her enthusiastic approach and detailed knowledge. During her teaching career, Mary taught at both primary and secondary schools and latterly in adult education.
In her eighties, Mary obtained a passport for the first time and travelled abroad with the U3A to Paris and Burgundy. She also visited Eindhoven in the Netherlands with the Engineering Society.
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Sadly, Mary suffered with macular disease and had little useful eyesight during her final years. She also became increasingly frail and gradually withdrew from her activities as she became less mobile. Her last years were spent in her own home, as she wished, and she always enjoyed the company of friends and family.
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