Jean Iris Lewis (née Trower) passed away peacefully on March 30, 2021 at the age of 95. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert (Bob) Hedley Lewis, her parents Florence and Henry Trower, and her sister Doreen Trower. She is survived by her sons Roger Lewis (Marion) of Saxmundham Suffolk, Jeremy Lewis (Connie) of Virginia USA, and daughter Rosemary Royer (William) of Massachusetts USA. Jean was a proud Grandma to Benjamin, Victoria, Caroline, Christopher, Rebecca, Robin and Jennifer, and Great Grandma to Imogen, Eleanor and Orla.     


Jean spent her childhood in Norwich (1925-39) and her teens (1939-50) in Bristol where she attended Merriwood School, serving as night-shift fire-watcher during the Bristol Blitz. At age 17, Jean met Bob at the West of England College of Art; they walked home in the blackouts, married (1948) and Jean taught art at Colston’s School. She followed Bob to the Slade School For Fine Art in London (1950-52); to his teaching at Dartmouth Royal Naval College (1952-55); to Solihull School (1955-59), and Kenilworth (1959-66), while raising three children and volunteering at Thorns school and working part time at ‘The Squirrels,’ Warwick Preparatory School. They moved to Bournemouth (1966) when Bob became Principal of the Bournemouth College of Art, and Jean taught fine art at Talbot Heath School for Girls for 13 years, while designing costumes for school plays, serving the Bournemouth School Scouts, and supporting the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra. She hosted creative family parties and musical evenings with friends, while caring for elderly relatives (for this she learned to drive). Jean retired and moved with Bob to Cobham, Surrey (1981-2000) when Bob became a Snr. Staff Inspector for Art in the ILEA followed by Principal of the London College of Printing, and where Jean volunteered at St. Andrew's Church; as President of the Women's Institute; and as an art teacher at Cobham Day Centre.


After Bob passed away (1995), Jean moved to Romsey (2000-15), continued writing calligraphy for events; served as docent and designer for Romsey Abbey; led a classical music seminar; while letter-writing globally, and hosting garden parties for neighbors and seven grandchildren. 

The Lewis family thanks the staff at Northlands House in Southampton for the superior care of Jean these past five years.

If you would like to make a donation in Jean’s memory, please send cheques payable to ‘Talbot Heath School’ which will be forwarded for use by the Art Department in Jean’s memory and where she taught to: Paul Capper Funeral Directors Janet House 95 Leigh Road Eastleigh SO50 9DR