Jean Jolly 1930 – 2025
Member of Soroptimist International St Albans and District 1968-2012
Jean was a much loved and valued member of the Soroptimist International St Albans and District for more than 40 years. She was Club President for the Club year 1977 to 1978 and again for 1992 to 1993 (please see the two photos above). Jean was Club Treasurer for many of her years as a member of the Club (working in a bank would have made her well qualified for the role!). Being Club President must have been both an opportunity and a challenge for Jean who was known for 
being wonderful “behind the scenes” – if you see any photos of Jean she is usually there in the crowd but not centre stage…..
In later years she loved to produce the Club’s Newsletter – especially once she had obtained an electronic typewriter! She was also a great letter writer and kept in touch with family, friends and Soroptimists all over the world.
As a Soroptimist she became good friends with many Club members including Sheila Chadwick who she went on holiday to Eastbourne with for many years, and Helen Francis who also became a neighbour in The Harvesters. Jean Eaton stayed in regular contact with Jean until, sadly, Jean herself died at the end of 2024.
Jean was a keen Soroptimist traveller. She attended a great many Soroptimist Conferences in the UK. Jean adored her mother and always made sure to phone her when she was away. Jean also enjoyed visiting Soroptimist Friendship Links including an exciting trip to California in 1980 and her last “away” event to Muenster Germany in 2006.
Jean was keen to support charities and organisations for the blind. She will have been the driving force behind the Club’s involvement with Loreto College, St Raphael’s care home where Soroptimists provided a weekly trolley service with goods in stock and some ordered specially. The Club also supported the talking newspaper, Guide Dogs for the Blind and Hertfordshire Society for the Blind.
She loved participating in the Club’s Christmas Carol singing at St Albans City Station where Soroptimists raised money for the Club’s charities every year. Perhaps her love was close to her connection with the Salvation Army, but most people didn’t know that she could only sing one note!
Jean had a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious giggle. She was always friendly, generous and caring. She is sorely missed by everyone who knew her.