An extraordinary person. Appallingly energetic, generous, gifted and practical. Sleep well.
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Jane Catherine McCarthy (17 Feb 1950 - 12 Jan 2016)
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JaneCancer Research UK
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In loving memory of Jane Catherine McCarthy who sadly passed away on 12th January 2016
Born Holloway, North London
Jane grew up in North London and enjoyed the outdoor life, playing in Cherry Tree Woods pretending to be part of Enid Blyton’s Famous Vice.
She went to Hornsey High School for Girls where she developed a rebellious streak and made lifelong friends, She mixed in famous company knowing Ray Davies of the Kinks and Simon Nicol from Fairport Convention and from this grew a love of modern music.
Although she wanted to study Art at college the course was oversubscribed so she opted to study Drama despite her dislike of being in the limelight.
At teacher training college she met Steve and after leading him on a real song and dance they got married in April 1971.
Jane started teaching in Chadwell St Mary near Grays Essex with a class of 42 seven year olds, many of whom could barely read. Needless to say she turned them all into readers by the end of the year.
After moving to Northampton she became disillusioned with teaching and moved into the Civil Service working in the benefits section. She once more proved her adaptability and capacity for change by developing in housing at Northampton Borough Council. Looking for more responsibility and wanting to maintain her connection with people she moved to South Northants Council where she was responsible for Housing, homelessness and Warden controlled units.
Her life was always busy. She loved the outdoors and felt caged and claustrophobic when indoors. Her activities included squash, table tennis, swimming, cycling, walking and anything that involved being outside.
Her skill levels knew no boundaries and turned her hand to: decorating; carpet laying; bricklaying; stone masonry; gardening and landscaping.
Art was a passion – photography, water colour, print, stained glass (installed in the new house), pottery, acrylic and her famous chocolate wrapper silver foil creations. She loved to create, never believed she was any good but just loved doing it.
Her love of life took her into Natural History – flowers, butterflies, badgers and birds – a chance to be outdoors and at one with the natural world.
Animals had a real affinity with Jane - cats (her favourite), dogs, donkeys – in fact every living creature warmed to her immediately.
After turning fifty her work was taking her more into management and away from the public who she wanted to help so she decided to change again and became a dispenser/receptionist at Blisworth surgery. Like everything in her life she threw herself completely into the work and before long she was the drug pusher of choice.
Living a life that involved travelling at three times the speed of everyone else had its problems because she effectively lived three times as long as us mere mortals. We were standing still while she made the most of every moment.
She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in April 2011 and after a minor operation and radiotherapy was given the all clear. In 2014 the cancer returned, spread and after an 18 month battle her body couldn’t take any more and she succumbed.
Jane has always been a giver, strongly independent and needed to be there for others - she was the friend you wanted in a storm. In her final weeks she was very dependent on others which she hated. Eventually she was trapped in a body that no longer was hers so her death was a peaceful release.
Stephen McCarthy
January 2016
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In memory of the kindest and most selfless of all.
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Donated on behalf of Jane McCarthy by someone at the funeral
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donated £100 in memory of Jane
My wonderful sister moved on to a different dimension. much loved and missed by Richard and Nicola xx
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donated £100 in memory of Jane
My wonderful sister moved on to a different dimension. much loved and missed by Richard and Nicola xx
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donated £138.79 in memory of Jane
In memory of Jane McCarthy, a blithe spirit.
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In memory of Jane, a woman with a zest for life and the care given in her final days.
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In memory of Jane, a woman with a zest for life and the care given in her final days.
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In memory of Jane, a woman with a zest for life and the care given in her final days.
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In memory of Jane, a woman with a zest for life and the care given in her final days.
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donated £30 in memory of Jane
A wonderful celebration today of Jane's life. It was a privilege to be there.
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In fond memory of Jane McCarthy.
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Our deepest sympathies from Jude Garratt and myself.
How do I remember Jane? She overtook me on one of the Cynthia Spencer charity cycle rides! So full of life and an inspiration to live life to the full!
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Deepest sympathy at the sad loss of a lovely lady.
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lit a candle
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In memory of Jane - thanks for all the wonderful cards, countryside wanders, butterfly spotting, mutual appreciation of our feline friends...and good vibes. Peace xxoo
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Goodbye Jane - such a lovely lady, full of fun and zest for life. x
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Dearest Jane - Memories may be beautiful and yet what is too painful to remember we sometimes forget. So it is the laughter we will remember. We feel truly blessed to have known someone who it is so difficult for us to say goodbye to. Love & Hugs S&K
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I will remember the happy times we spent together, both at school and more recently when we met up. You were a good friend Jane and will be missed.
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Jane so may things remind us of you so you will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.
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In memory of a good friend... May you find a cure one day soon.
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Jane so may things remind us of you so you will be in our hearts and thoughts forever.
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Jane you will always be in our hearts and thoughts.
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Dear Jane, Of the 66 years of our life, we only really spent 6 in close contact during our days at Hornsey High and then it was just a Christmas card until we met again via Friends Reunited. Despite the gap, I know we had a true friendship and I have loved every minute I have spent with you. I am smiling as I write this because that's just how you make me feel. My life has been enhanced by you. Thank you and rest in peace dear friend. Linda xx
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In loving memory of Jane in appreciation of care and support.
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I was so saddened to hear about Jane, such a lovely lady. We worked together at Blisworth surgery and she was always so lively, full of fun and with a wonderful smile. We had a mutual friend in Lucy Kew and Jane showed me the fantastic photos of her trip you had to see her in Africa. Some wonderful memories.
I am so sorry but I am unable to attend the funeral as I will be away but I will be thinking of you all on the day.
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I was moved to read Steve your thoughts about Jane on your Blog and on your website. On behalf of all those from MSG who hope to attend the 2018 Golden reunion in Darlington I send deepest sympathies, there are some photos of Jane in Drama Dept. performances in the photos from 1968-71. I attended MSG from 1969-72 (PE) and remember both of you. If you are interested we now have a new website for the college reunion msg-reunion.co.uk but our thoughts will be with you for the 3rd of February.
Kindest regards
Mike Cooke
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