'˜Cheery, kind and friendly' Banbridge woman passes away

Jean (nee Arlow), was from a family of 12, and grew up in Rathfriland Street, in the town.

When growing up she attended Abercorn Primary and Banbridge High School and was employed at a number of companies including Downshoes and Ferguson Franklin Factory.

Jean also held several part-time jobs which included jam-making and apple-peeling.

She married Melvyn Clegg, in January 1966 and they set up home in Banbridge. He died 18 years ago. They had three children - Alan, Elaine and Melanie.

Jean was described by many as being cheery, friendly, kind and full of fun and was held in the highest esteem by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

In her early years she enjoyed nothing more than attending dances and in her latter years, loved fashion and getting her hair and nails done.She was a keen football supporter of Banbridge Town and Chelsea.

After her husband, Melvyn, passed away in 1998, Jeans health began to deteriorate, but that did not diminish her excitement and joy as each grandchild was born.

Jean attended Ashgrove Care Home in Newry before moving closer to home at Spelgas Mews where she spent seven happy years. She loved outings to the Victorian Club Tea Dance, trips to the local cinema, parties and other events in the Mews. Jean was a member of Scarva Street Presbyterian Church. One of her loves was listening to Gospel Services and enjoyed the choirs.

She celebrated her 70th birthday in the Mews with all her immediate family and staff. The family particularly appreciated the love and care that Jean received from staff at the Mews.

Down through the years, her love was centred on her family. She looked out for them and devoted herself to her children Alan, Elaine and Melanie as they grew up, and their spouses, Karen, Jeremy and Paul.

Jean passed away after a short illness in hospital.She is survived by her children and grandchildren Jamie, Jack, Sophie, Aimee and Matthew, brothers Joe and Bobby and sister Sally.

The funeral took place on Tuesday following a service in Scarva Street Presbyterian Church at which her minister Rev. Colin Harris paid a fitting tribute to Jean’s life and how she was tenderly looked after at Spelga Mews, Banbridge, and mentioned the hardships she endured after the passing of her husband. The hymns The Lord’s My Shepherd’and What a friend we have in Jesus were sung.

Mr Tom Haire presided at the organ. The committal took place privately in the family plot in the New Cemetery. William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, carried out the funeral.