Messages of condolences on Jean's passing, 
31 March 2021

From Nick Sharpe (Denmark; son of art college friends of Jean)
A great privilege and a joy to have had an extra 'auntie' for 60 odd years. The last of a West of England College of Art 'gang of four', (though there were others too), that raised the bar in Art Education from an 'extra-curricular activity' to equivalence with all other subjects. I shall miss the tea and scones.


From Susie Sharpe (New Zealand; Nick Sharpe’s sister-in-law)
Glad to hear she passed away peacefully. She must have been a great age. She was such a lovely lady -- very kind, thoughtful and hospitable. I remember the great times we had xx


From Dorothy Morgan (Niagara Falls, Canada; cousin)
To the Lewis family, I just read that your mom Jean passed away! We send our condolences to you and all your family. Your mom was such a special lady. We all loved her! We know that you have a lifetime of sweet memories with her! Love to your family
We bid a fond farewell to a beautiful lady! The Morgan family have enjoyed time with both your mom and dad years ago. Now you have wonderful memories to cherish her!

From David and Laureen Maxwell (Saskatchewan, Canada; cousins)
So sorry to hear this. Sounds like a life well lived. I had hoped I would get to meet her in person. She seemed like a very nice person through cards and on the phone. Our sympathies!


From Helen [Rudwick] Cobbold (Plymouth; cousin Gill’s daughter)
I was so sad to hear that your Mum has passed away. Our love and thoughts are with you. When you stayed over it was heartwarming to hear you talk about Jean and I remember thinking then what a lovely relationship you had. How in spite of the miles between you, the efforts you went to, to keep that closeness even when her memories and conversation became confused were inspiring. I have wanted to pass on this newspaper cutting which I found sorting through Betty’s things. It’s a lovely bit of family history. Please pass on my condolences to the rest of your family.


From Virginia Cooper, (Jean's cousin from Australia)
Such sad news … I was only saying to David yesterday that I must contact you re your family’s progress through this awful year.
I am so sorry that you and Bill and your family were unable to be with Jean ... but am grateful that Roger and family could.
Thank you so much for letting me know … and including the lovely photos and obituary.  I know that you will not mind that I have forwarded your email to David and my girls … Jo, Kate and Julie … we all have special memories of Jean and Bob and their kindness to their Australian relatives. 


From Sarah Watkins (Romsey; Jean’s next door neighbor)
So sorry to hear your news. I often think about Jean and funnily enough yesterday I was writing her an Easter card.
She was such a lovely neighbour to me. Her house was a real haven to escape to and have a cuppa and a catch up when all was chaos with the boys (albeit wonderful chaos!) I have just spoken to Jack who also expressed what a significant part ‘Jean-next-door’ played in his and his brother's childhood and he sends his very best wishes to you.

From Pauline Quarendon (Meonstoke; longtime neighbour and friend)
In September 1951 Jean and I met when we were all living in Dartmouth, leaning over the garden fence outside our back doors on Britannia Avenue. And the most wonderful friendship of so many years had begun. 
We used to say that if ever we got over all the naval protocol --  the wearing of hats and gloves to Divisions on a Sunday morning and the tea parties with the formidable Catering Manager, Miss Butler – we’d never worry about socialising again. It was in Dartmouth that we also shared the pleasure of singing in Brahms’ Requiem and, of course, having our first babies.
I well remember Bob returning from Totnes where he’d been to welcome Roger and, three weeks later, Trevor doing the same after Janet was born. Later of course, welcoming Jeremy, Anna and Rosie. So many happy memories followed of our two families picnicking together and our little holidays with each other.
The happy days of gatherings at Cobham where your mother’s hospitality was always so warm. My love for her – our mutual love – was wonderful, with her positive approach to life, her enthusiasm, her sense of fun, her interest in everything and everyone, her advice and her support. I will always remember, and be grateful for, the real effort she made to come to my licensing in Portsmouth Cathedral in 1996.  The time we chose her house in Romsey, the trips with her from there to Mottisfont. And so much more.
So now, I send all of you and all her lovely grandchildren, love and condolence and I pray that she may rest in peace.

From Janet [Quarendon] and Michael Simon (Lostwithiel, Cornwall; daughter of Pauline Quarendon)
We were all very sad to hear the news of dear Jean. Bless her.
Must be hard for you both being so far away and with the pandemic.
She will always hold a special place in our family, an amazing lady, so much of that generation.
Will always remember her great kindness to our family when we lived in Christchurch.
All those Christmas times and the family picnics when we were children.
I know mummy treasured her friendship and will be very sad. End of an era!
So glad that Roger, Ben and Victoria were able to see her.
You have all been so supportive to her and the home sounded lovely.
We will miss the fact that she is no longer here even though we had not seen her for so long.
Thinking of you all and sending love and prayers,
PS. I have some lovely pictures she drew of Tom as a baby somewhere!

Lots of memories!
Mummy [Pauline Quarendon] was v sad to hear the news and was going through all memories of your mum and dad.
I was thinking today what a reassuring presence she was in our lives.
Also contacted Charlotte Dixon who lives in Lostwithiel. She is the daughter of Joyce who used to live next door or near your family in Kenilworth and friend of your mum. Joyce now lives in Truro and Charlotte will pass on the news. Small world!

From Joyce [Webster] (Truro, Cornwall; former neighbour of Jean’s in Kenilworth; transcribed from handwritten note)
I am sorry to hear of Jean’s death. It was strange how we found out. Someone Charlotte knew, who used to live by Jean and Bob when they were young, sent a message to Charlotte telling her the sad news. 
You can be proud of Jean and Bob; they were kind, caring people. They did such a lot for me when Alan died. I will always remember them with love. 

From Anna [Quarendon] Draper, (Marlborough; daughter of Pauline Quarendon) 
For now, I just wanted to add my own recognition of your mother as a remarkable woman who just “got on with it” and to let you know that we’re amongst those whose thoughts are with you.


From Connie Lewis (Ashburn, VA, USA; daughter-in-law)
It’s hard to describe what a wonderfully nuanced, artistic, and talented lady Jean was. I will never forget the first time I met Bob and Jean. I was as enthralled with them individually as I was the powerful partnership they created. I remember seeing their lovely home and garden for the first time, hiking the hills of Scotland, drinking cups of tea and laughing over their stories and reminiscences, listening to opera in the car, and drinking sherry after all of the events of the day were over. I joked with Jeremy that I knew I was going to marry him when I met Rosie and Bill, then Jean and Bob, and then Roger and Marion. It was clear to me that this was my second family. Jean’s talents with people, letter-writing, cooking, gardening, and anything artistic were something to behold. Deep underneath all that activity was a perceptive and kind woman, who adored her family and lived her life with dignity and purpose. I am a different and better person for having known her, and I will always love her deeply.


From Jeremy Lewis (Ashburn, VA, USA; son; posted on Facebook with Jean’s portrait in back garden)
“Jean Lewis, 1925-2021. Art teacher, calligrapher, classical music lover, wartime blitz fire-watcher, great-grandma, traveler, and quite the garden party hostess for family, friends and neighbors.” [Received over 175 responses in the first few days alone]

From Alabama World Affairs Council on Facebook
“Wonderful webinar this evening for AL World Affairs Council featuring Sue Miller (Huntingdon, '99) on The Peace Corps at Sixty. 
Dedicated to the memory of Jean Lewis 1925-2021, fine art teacher who loved to correspond with people around the world, and made lifelong friends everywhere she went.”

From Geoff and Nancy Chamberlain (Ottery St. Mary, Devon; classmate of Jeremy’s in Bournemouth, and near-neighbour in Surrey)
So sorry to hear this news.  Our thoughts and prayers will be with you in the coming days.  It must be even harder to cope with in the current environment, no matter how expected. We just came across pictures of your mum & dad a couple of days ago, visiting us in Esher together with my parents and Nancy’s (obviously at a time of Nancy’s parents being over here). Attached for your interest.

Your mum was always so open and welcoming, whether in Bournemouth (after footy matches), Cobham or Romsey.  And whether a big party or just us. They were always complimentary about my cooking in the early days in my tiny flat in London.  It was a privilege to be invited into the family. Please let me know if there is anything we can help with, being on this side of the pond.


From Nick Kirk (Surrey; classmate of Jeremy’s in Bournemouth, and neighbour of Jean’s in Surrey)
I'm sorry to read about your mother's passing. My mother died in hospital in July last year, like Jean peacefully, and after a long and fulfilled life, but the loss is still sharp. The restrictions of Covid make it particularly difficult at the moment, so it's a consolation that at least some of the family were able to be with her in her final days.

My memories of Jean are from a long time ago, your house in Kings Park and then just round the corner from us in Seven Hills Road. Always entertaining company, social and friendly. It is good that in her later years she was able to be in a home where she was well cared for and able to continue to socialise.

It's a shame you can't make the funeral, it's another Covid imposition. Even though Jean did not pass away as a result of Covid, like so many others she was an indirect victim. My thoughts are with you.

To the Manager of Northlands, Helen Cousins, from Rosie
Just wanted to thank you personally along with the Northlands Staff for the outstanding care that Jean has received these past five years. You made Mum feel so welcome from the start when you allowed us to put on a 90th birthday party for her with family and friends soon after she arrived. This event helped her settle in and realize that she could still enjoy a social life!

The nurses treated Jean with the utmost respect and care which was most appreciated. The carers never complained of the difficulties of moving Mum when it was so painful for her. I always admired the activities staff for keeping the smiles on everyone's faces - even the visitors. They always gave me such a chuckle. Special shout-out to Toni too for really befriending Mum.

Bill and I very much appreciated the use of the dining room for guests and the gracious 'waiter' service of the staff. In fact you all went out of your way to make us feel comfortable around the home despite my being there for sometimes 10 days at a time. Despite my intense period of stay I was never made to feel that I was in the way.

I thank you for keeping Covid from sweeping the entire home (I said to family if anyone can keep it at bay, it's you), and for our chats.  You will be hearing from Roger, Jeremy and myself again shortly!

Reply from Helen Cousins, Northlands home
Thank you Rosemary, it was an honour to have known and cared for your mum, she was a very lovely lady. You were a very caring daughter and the past 14 months has been out of your control and Jean was aware that you all loved and cared for her deeply. We are all very thankful for the plants that Roger very kindly arranged last year, we only mentioned some of them last week when we were talking about the memories for the various plants that were sent.

Take care and look after yourself, please pass on my deepest thoughts to your family at this time, who knows sometime in the future we may say “Hi” once again.

Paddy and Ben Parmee (Surrey; Ben the son of RAF friend of Bob and Jean; near-neighbours in Romsey area)
Sad to hear of Jeans passing, thinking of you all Paddy & Ben


From David McRae (Shrewsbury, MA, USA; longtime friend of Rosie and Bill's)
Oh Rosemary, I'm so sad to hear that news. She was such a lovely lady, I'm so glad we were able to meet her multiple times over these many years.
(Meeting her on her 'home turf' in England was especially memorable). I would phone or come over, but it sounds like you have quite a bit going on at this moment.

From Steve Erban and Cathy Phillips (Shrewsbury MA, USA; friends of Rosie and Bill)
Cathy and I were saddened to hear of your Mum’s passing. As we have all sadly found out, it does not matter how old our parents or we are, but they are still our parents. We have you and your family in our thoughts and hope that you will be able to convene with your brothers to honor her memory.


From Jeanne Breen, April 5, 2021 (Old Saybrook, CT, USA; longtime friend of Connie’s)
I have wonderful memories of a visit that I made to Jean’s home in Romsey, with Connie, Jeremy and Robin, in July of 2013.  Rosie was there as well.  I recall a lingering sense of pleasure that Andy Murray had finally won Wimbledon a couple of weeks earlier, as well as guesses about what William and Kate might name their first child, who was due at any time.  As I recall, Jean correctly predicted George.  One night we had a lovely dinner in the garden—fish and chips—with Geoff Chamberlain, greeted like family by Jean.  My favorite memory of the visit: we were in the sitting room, sipping sherry, engaged in various activities.  Jean was watching the evening news.  I wish I could retrieve the exact words and situation, but they’re lost to time.  Suffice it to say that someone being interviewed on the news said something that displeased Jean and she, pert in her armchair, holding her glass of sherry, snapped right back at him…something along the lines of “Foolish man!”  I laughed out loud.  If it should come to pass that, at age 87, I’m sitting with a glass of sherry and engaging with the news of the day, I’ll be in fine fettle.

Another memory: the beautiful calligraphy of Byron’s She Walks In Beauty that Jean made for Connie at the time of Connie and Jeremy’s wedding.

It’s always meaningful to reflect on lives well lived, as Jean’s was…and her legacy spans ‘the Pond’.  To paraphrase two lines from the Byron poem, her many days were “in goodness spent”; may her “mind [be] at peace with all below…”


From Pauline Bartlett (Romsey; Jean’s Neighbour)
We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Jean was such a lovely and welcoming neighbour to us when we moved in and continued to be such a warm presence in our lives. She had led a long and interesting life and was so interested in other people too; it would have been hard not to be totally charmed by her.  I hope the wonderful memories that you have of your Mum will sustain you in the days and months ahead.  


From Ma’nthe and Colin Leach, Houston, TX, USA (longtime friends of Jeremy and Roger since Bournemouth School days)
What a beautiful photo of Jean. I remember that afternoon. The weather was sunny, and we sat at a table in Jean’s garden. We had cake with our tea.

My mother, Olga, really enjoyed our trips to Gulf Shores, and was very fond of you and Jeremy. She was delighted to meet Jean when we met in New Orleans in December of 2004. They found that they had so much in common, both having been involved in the art world. On that same weekend I remember taking the group along to an art gallery that I liked to visit, and Jean was delighted when she saw that they were selling Chagall engravings. I remember that Colin’s Mum, Violet, came with us to birthday parties for Jean, and Jean attended a few of Violet’s parties. It was always a joy to see Jean.

When Jean had moved to the home in Southampton, Marion would bring me along to visit. Jean kept out a few photos of Jeremy and Roger’s father, and when I admired them, she described who had taken them and when. We discussed their composition, and lighting. They were beautiful black and white portraits. Jean was such a lovely lady. It was a joy to have known her.

Dorothy (Southampton; friend of Rog and Marion) who volunteered to visit Jean after they retired to Suffolk
Jean was nice to know. Still with charm and beautiful manners. I’ll always enjoy the Christmas Carol service. We both enjoyed it.

From Lin Proctor (Talbot Heath) 
I just wanted to say more formally how sorry I am about your mother. It was amazing that you found her that wonderful home when you did.  By all accounts they looked after your mum amazingly well -- that must have been such a comfort given that you are so far away. Gosh, I have so many memories of your mum. Her wonderful Christmas cards with her exquisite handwriting. All those fun family games nights we had at yours -- I particularly remember the one with the flour in the pudding bowl trying to get the sixpence!

Those lovely times in Cobham -- the highlight -- your wedding of course.  She really was so good at settling into new places and making friends - wasn't she?  Even after she lost your Dad.  She also embraced her latter years in a way which is so admirable - and definitely seemed at peace with herself.

I think it will be a lovely idea to have some kind of memorial next year (goodness me we must be in a better place in 2022 surely!).  I know you get a lovely turnout. It must be hard being so far away and not near your brothers either but it sounds that she had a peaceful end - which in itself is a blessing.

Wendie Purchase (Talbot Heath)
So sorry to hear this and I send my sincere condolences to you and your family. What a lovely obituary to a wonderful woman and what a full and purposeful life your Mother led. Some lovely photos there too. Thank you for sharing.

Lesley Cartmell (Talbot Heath)
Thank you for sending that Rosie.  I am so sorry to hear the sad news.  Your mum was a very special lady and her art lessons are one of my happiest memories from school. Thinking of you.


Jane Arnold (Talbot Heath)
Oh Rosie , how sad for you , but what a wonderful life she had -she achieved so much, and looks so happy in all those photos! Seeing her face takes me back to old TH days , and I hope she was glad that so many of us have reconnected in recent years!
My mum is turning 95 next Monday - it’s a great age for our marvelous mums to reach , and I’m glad to hear your mum passed peacefully , knowing she was much loved - it’s what we all can only wish for. Keep in touch.

Jill Allen (Talbot Heath)
That’s a very lovely tribute for a very lovely lady. I have only good memories of her and am so sorry to hear of her passing. But 95 is an amazing age and she did many wonderful things in her life.

Janet Hall (Talbot Heath)
Very sorry to hear this news, my condolences to you and your family. I remember your mother fondly, especially from my Art A level days.....your mother and Miss Henson served us well!

Jo Staniland (Talbot Heath)
Your mother and Miss Henderson were the most important teachers for me at Talbot Heath. I loved going to the art block and hung around there as much as I could. There were a few art groupies and it was a very special place to be.

She and your father between them got me an interview at St. Martin’s on the first day of term. I was told there and then that I had a place and by the weekend had somewhere to live and was ready to start my life in London. None of this would have happened without her pushing me to go for an interview. I know I would not have been the only student that she encouraged to go to art school. She was a generous and interesting teacher and I feel so lucky to have been at the school with her.
How wonderful for Jean to have seen her great grandchildren and get to know them. I’m sure she was as inspirational with them and her grandchildren as she was to us.

Sarah Whittle (Talbot Heath)
So sorry to hear this news. You are in our thoughts and prayers

Sarah MacKenzie (Talbot Heath)
Your mother was such a trooper and we have so many good happy fun memories. I’m glad we were able to share a few mother lunches and visits when she was still living in Romsey. My heart goes out to you. Losing a mother is such a poignant time. Please send my condolences to Roger, Jeremy and families. Love to you all.

Caroline Bonser (Talbot Heath)
So sorry to hear about your mum. I struggled through Art O Level and she was always most encouraging, I always seemed to have ‘pockets of interest’ in my work! Will be thinking of you and the family at this sad time.

Caroline Pook (Talbot Heath)
I am very sorry to hear this... what a heavy loss to you and your family.
I remember when Jean entertained us to lunch in Romsey, 13 years ago now .. and I was stunned at how much she knew about my home life, and mutual friends the Sharp family in Wimborne. As a pupil you always assume teachers only have a life within 4 walls of school.... how wrong I was!! Sending warmest regards,  and will very much enjoy reading these words .. a life well lived …

Christina Hearn (Talbot Heath)
So sorry to hear your news, Rosie. Your mother was a lovely lady and great teacher. Condolences to you and your family at this sad time.

Dinah Ingle-Finch (Talbot Heath)
Sad times for you, but thank you so much for sending me the news of your dear mother’s death, along with her life story and photos.
I missed tuition from your Mum at TH, but remember her smile well. She didn’t need to walk around the stark corridors with a similar, cold expression. And your photos shared now endorse the lovely lady I knew. My heart and thoughts go out to you, your brothers, and Jean’s extended family. May you all be comforted knowing that you were truly loved by such a well loved lady.

Virginia Stuart (Talbot Heath)
Rosie, so sorry to hear about your mum - I’m sure you will miss her very much . But what a ripe old age she lived to and it’s so good to hear that she passed away peacefully. By far my fondest memories of lessons at TH were those spent with her.

Kim Wheeler (Talbot Heath)
I am so sorry to hear the news of your mother. She certainly was a good age though, wasn’t she? It must be heartbreaking for you, not being able to come over for the funeral, but it’s a good plan to arrange a Celebration of Life service, once things are a little more Covid-free.
I’m sure we all remember your Mum’s art lessons. Sadly I was far from a star pupil (I’m still on the stick man level of ability!) but at least your Mum was very encouraging to everyone, irrespective of their talents. I’ll be thinking of you and hope the rest of your family are OK. I’m sure they’re all very supportive.

Jenny Martin (Talbot Heath)
I was so very sorry to hear of your mothers passing but what a full life she had. Your tribute to her, kindly sent to our group, told of so many things we did not know about your dear mother, as is so often the case when someone has died.
It must be hard for you and your brothers to to liaise at this time as you are very far apart in distance but not in the love you shared. 

I remember your mother at Talbot Heath but was not so fortunate as to have her as an art teacher for long. I did not take Art for O-level and only recently have picked up a paintbrush again after almost 50 years.
I am sure many of our year have memories of lessons taught and you will have enjoyed sharing these memories with your family.
I very much hope to be able to meet up at one of the reunions before too long. In the meantime I send my condolences at the sad loss of your dear mother. 

Emma Lee Potter (Talbot Heath)

I'm so sorry to have missed your first email (I've now found it) but I wanted to send my condolences to you and your family following the death of your fantastic mum. I know how close you were and it was wonderful to hear of your regular visits from the US to spend time with her. This last year must have been so tough for you all.
It's such a long time since we were all at Talbot Heath but I wanted to share my very strong memories of your mum as our art teacher. It's funny because I don't remember many specific lessons at TH but I vividly remember your mum's and I can still picture the art room now. I wasn't that good at art but I loved my lessons with your mum. When I decided to do art O level it was a complete revelation. She encouraged me to focus on techniques like screen printing and graphic design and I was totally inspired. I wasn't very confident but it felt as if she had spotted that I was creative and helped me to find ways to express it. I ended up getting my highest grade in art - totally due to her. She was so inspiring and encouraging. She treated us like grown-ups and she made lessons fun. I'll never forget that time.
I know how close your family is so I am sure you're all looking after each other right now. 
Thinking of you at this very sad time - and hope to see you in the UK before too long.

Valerie Flanagan (Talbot Heath)

Deepest condolences, Rosemary. No loss is ever easy, but it seems even more difficult to deal with just now with families unable to gather together as they would wish. I'm sure you will get the opportunity to mark and celebrate your Mum's life in the way you want in due course.
Love and best wishes to all your family.

Sally Rundle (Talbot Heath)

I am so sorry to hear the news of your mother’s death, but you no doubt take great comfort that her passing was a peaceful oneI was never taught by your mum, but I would have liked to have been! She always gave me the impression of being a fair teacher who was popular with her students and really encouraged them. Something I could have benefited from as art was never a strong subject of mine! My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, especially those of you who are not in the UK. Very best wishes       

Frances Shepherd (Talbot Heath)

I was so sorry to receive the news of your mother’s passing.  I was only thinking about her recently. She was such a kind lady and although I wasn’t among her artistically  talented pupils at school, I enjoyed getting to know her better when she lived down the road from us in Surrey. She was always very positive and full of fun. I’m sure you must all be missing her terribly and I send my heartfelt condolences to you and the rest of your family. 
I’m intrigued by the photo of her with the Queen - looks like that was a birthday to remember! 
Thinking of you and remembering Jean with fondness. 
Best wishes     

Sheran Bailey, nee Roberts  (Talbot Heath)

Dear Rosemary,
I have just received the monthly TH bulletin and was very sorry to hear of the death of your Mother. She joined Miss Wilson in the Art Department a few years before I left school in 1969. By then I had given up art, not doing it for GCE, so I was never taught by Jean. She was such an elegant lady and always very friendly so was someone I used to look out for and enjoy talking to at THOGA gatherings. Although I did not study art, not having much talent in that line, it was a subject I really appreciated and I am a frequenter of art exhibitions being a Friend of all the major galleries in London.
Please accept my sincere sympathies.
Kind regards,
Sheran 
(Bailey nee Roberts).