Jean Birtwistle
Funeral Service
Time: 11.00am
Date: Wednesday 14th May 2025
Service Details:
Jean's funeral service will be held at Trinity Methodist Church, King St, Great Harwood, Blackburn BB6 7JN, followed by Committal at Accrington Crematorium.
Memorial Book
Peacefully, surrounded by her loving family on 20th April 2025, Jean, aged 74 years. The much-loved and devoted partner of Paul, beloved wife of the late Peter, and a cherished mum to Jane, Joanne, Graham, and Matthew. A dearly loved mother-in-law to Kev, Chris, and Nicky. Treasured grandma ‘Birty’ to Ben, Nathan, Jacob, Harry, Joe, Ruby, Lily, Eleanor, and Lola, and proud great-grandma to Alfie, Leon, Casey, and Albert. Jean was also a dear sister to Julie, Jill, Sheila, Brenda, and Ann, and a much-loved auntie, relative, and friend to so many.
Jean spent many dedicated years working at Great Harwood Leather Works (Metflex), where her remarkable speed on the assembly line earned her great admiration. She was a respected and valued member of the team, known for her strong work ethic and the warm camaraderie she shared with her colleagues, many of whom became lifelong friends. Above all, Jean was a true family lady. She poured her heart into raising her children, ensuring their home ran with love, order, and care. In later years, she stepped with joy into her role as grandma and great-grandma, doting on her grandchildren and delighting in their stories, adventures, and visits. Jean was always ready to lend a hand, never needing to be asked twice. A gifted cook and baker, Jean’s plate meat pie and Victoria sponge were nothing short of legendary within the family. A call from Jean offering a sweet treat was always a highlight, met with eager anticipation and grateful smiles. In her later years, Jean found happiness and companionship with her beloved Paul. Together, they enjoyed many wonderful holidays at home and abroad, exploring new places and soaking up local culture. Yet, at her heart, Jean was always a home bird, content with a quiet moment and her favourite cup of tea.
Jean was loved by all who knew her, for her warmth, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those she cared about. She will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered, always.
Family flowers only please, donations are requested in Jean’s memory on behalf of British Heart Foundation and The Stroke Association.
Jean was a very kind and caring lady and a wonderful friend. We will never forget her humour and laughter.
RIP Jean
Rest in peace sis, we will love and remember you forever
Your heartbroken sisters Julie, Jill, Sheila, Brenda, And Ann XXXXX
What a beautiful tribute & photograph. Rest in peace now Auntie Jean x
Andrea Korab( Paul’s sister n law), a very beautiful tribute to Jean, who I’ve only had the pleasure of meeting once or twice on a Zoom call. So very sorry for your loss Paul. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and all the extended family at this tragic time.
Lovley lady Jean rip worked at leather works with my late mum Margaret Miller xx
Absolutely lovely lady, had time for everyone. Will be sadly missed xx
Lovely lady always had time for everyone, will be sadly missed x
On behalf of my mum Joan Wharton. We’ve shared some laughs Jean, the 3 of us, Bertha, yourself and I. Thank you for your friendship. We’ll truly miss you. Rest in peace.
Rest in peace, Grandma Birty.
With love from Grandma Popadynec
RIP lovely lady. You will be in our thoughts and the family what a wonderful lady. working with you was always fun and always had a good time. You will be sadly missed.
Awwwww Jean! For such a little lady you’re leaving a big hole in this world – made me smile seeing you peeping over the dash in Paul’s car (think you needed a booster seat)! Always so kind and thoughtful but made us laugh when you said how it was!! So house proud, but your biggest pride has to be your family – I might not have met them all but I’ve heard your stories. So talented – really arty and crafty and fab at doing my sewing – like when you sorted the pillow cases for me to wash my uniform during the pandemic. We feel very fortunate to have had you in our lives. Rest in peace Jean. Love to Paul and your family from the Baron’s xxx
Life will be so different without you don’t know who I will talk to and get advise from you have always been there for me and helped me through tough times but I will always remember the good times and good laughs we have had besties forever
Love Pam and Andy x
I will always remember Jean as the very loving mother of my childhood friend. I spent a lot of time at her house, where I always felt safe and secure. Jeans kindness will be forever remembered.
Aunty Jean , what a beautiful photo!! Thank you for giving me so many happy memories, you were such a big part of my childhood, I looked forward to your daily visits to catch up with my mum I loved sitting and listening to you both chatting/laughing away.
I’m so pleased that I got to see you when I was home, you looked so well and seemed so happy with life, full of proud mum and grandma stories.
Lots of love Joy, Bertha and Adrian xx