In memory of Jill Margaret Elphick, born in Harrow on October 13th 1942. Jill passed away peacefully at home on July 13th 2020 with her family around her. A cherished wife, sister, mother, grandmother and friend; always there for anyone in need, she touched the lives of many. Jill will be fondly remembered by many around the world.
Jill and younger sister Jane grew up in Pinner, North London, attending Harrow Baptist Church, where Jill met future husband Mike. Not particularly academic, Jill loved singing and music, attaining grade eight piano. As a girl guide, she enjoyed nature and the outdoors, and achieved the Queen’s Guide award. On leaving North London Collegiate School, Jill did secretarial training and later in life completed a social work diploma.
In July 1966, Jill and Mike married and Jill moved to Devon, where Mike was working. Eighteen months later they moved to Bristol, where Mike studied for 2 years, before returning to Cornwall, where son Jonathan was born. In 1971 they moved to Cheshire, where daughter Helen was born, and then to North Shields in 1974. With a growing family and growing love for the North East coast and area, they stayed in North Shields for 20 years, before finally settling not far away, in Longhirst, Northumberland.
Accommodating the frequent moves and raising children, Jill did a host of different paid jobs. Before her children were born, she worked in two different ‘Settlements’ (Christian organisations providing accommodation for students in return for working in the community supporting people in poorer, urban areas), where she honed her legendary organising, hosting and cooking abilities. For several years in the 1980’s, she managed a local charity providing much needed support and respite for carers of people with disabilities. Eventually, Jill found the perfect fit for her entrepreneurial skills and caring nature, when she bought a mobile clothing business, trading in care homes and day centres. Jill’s customers loved her and the business flourished for over a decade, until retirement in 2006.
Jill has been a fantastic playmate, teacher, carer and friend for her own children and grandchildren and so many other children besides. The house in North Shields, was full of fun, noise, children and animals. Numbers swelled with fostered and childminded children, nieces and nephews, neighbourhood and school friends - all were welcomed, loved and fed! Many will remember the birthday parties, treasure hunts and trips to the beach on the 306 bus - Jill and numerous children. Believing passionately in the importance of early years learning and the need to support new parents, Jill led by example. She organised and volunteered in many local groups including playgroups, Guides, Beavers and youth clubs. Nationally, she chaired the mother and toddler committee of the Preschool Playgroups Association (PPA).
Jill and Mike endured some harder times as they reached middle age with work and other pressures increasing. Jill devoted immense time and energy to caring for her elderly parents, George and Kath. The children grew into sometimes testing teenagers and Jill was diagnosed with arthritis. As usual, Jill found opportunity in adversity, joining Arthritis Care, and going on to chair her local branch for many years. Jill always shared and celebrated the good things in life. With Arthritis Care, she organised social events, day trips and holidays bringing many people joy. Jill kept fit walking, swimming and practicing yoga.
The move to Longhirst and retirement gave Jill and Mike more time for each other and to join wholeheartedly in the life of the village. Together, they gradually renovated the house and developed the garden and allotment. Jill founded both the popular Longhirst Leader newsletter and the much loved Open Gardens weekend. Rekindling their shared love of singing they joined the Mid Northumberland Chorus. A talented knitter and seamstress, Jill would modestly claim she was not very creative. However, she made clothes and gifts for friends and family, with love and care. In retirement, she enjoyed learning many more crafts, including matting with the Woodhorn Matters and flower arranging.
Jill was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in October 2019. She and the family have found support and understanding through MacMillan Cancer Support and Maggie’s Centre at the Freeman Hospital.
Jill was a remarkable lady. The rock upon which so much has been built.
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