Jean Eaton 1942-2024
In addition to her career at a senior level in Finance, Jean always threw herself into local community matters and was a brilliant fundraiser for many local charities. Jean’s neighbour Brenda Hillier in Redbourn knew she would make a wonderful Soroptimist and encouraged her to join in 2000. She soon became part of the heart of the Club and was a gem as Club Treasurer for many of her years as a Member. She was Club President 2004/5 and 2008/9. Her husband and soul-mate Alan tragically died in the year she was President for the first time, so she felt she wanted to have another “proper” go when she was better able to focus, which the Club benefitted hugely from. Jean’s fundraising skills were legendary, along with networking and having fun! She worked closely with many charities and particularly with Grove House in St Albans and the St Albans and Hertsmere Women’s Refuge, building strong partner relationships and raising many thousands of pounds for them. Jean played an active role in Soroptimist International London Chilterns Region and was the Region’s Treasurer for many years. Jean embodied the vision and mission of Soroptimist International and implemented it with style and passion. She participated actively in many Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland Conferences. As well as supporting local charities and causes through Soroptimists, Jean loved the International dimension and built strong bonds with our Friendship Links, particularly Chico in California USA and Muenster in Germany. These ties were reinforced when Jean attended the Soroptimist International Convention in Dublin in 2023.
Even with Jean’s “boomerang” cancer and other health issues later in life, her 82 years were lived to the full, and her energy was inspirational!
In addition to Soroptimists Jean was active in many other organisations, who, we are sure, will also find a big Jean-shaped hole now, along with many great memories.
Click on these two links to read about how the Club remembered Jean https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2025/jean-eaton/ and dedicated a tree in St Albans in her memory https://sigbi.org/st-albans-and-district/2025/tree-otw/.