Jan
In loving memory
If I could bottle for you The essence that was Jan I’d have to take you by the hand To show where she began The eldest of two children Beloved, yet brought up straight Through honest work and hard graft She learned how to create Her mind as quick as silver Her tongue as sharp as knives Young Janice made her mischief Pulling wool, her best disguise Whilst Mum and Dad were ‘out out’ Leaving her to care for John Jan would nip to meet her mates They never knew she’d gone One night they almost caught her Walking up from Micklegate Jan had mistimed last orders Had to leg it or be late! Jan loved York’s busy nightlife A real-life dancing queen In Brummels or Cat’s Whiskers She knew how to be seen Jan never lost her glamour Or her love of high-end brands Later on, her tattoos would turn heads On Caribbean sands Jan always had a presence Her energy filled a room Fiercely protective of those she loved If crossed, she sealed your doom As for her love of nature The animals she adored Jan had no time for cruelty Its perpetrators, she abhorred Her beloved dogs and horses A large part of Jan’s life Benji Bobbins sparked a business – Jan’s creativity ran rife There are so many layers To carefully unwrap For Jan had many talents Number one – she took no crap! Her beauty skills were legend Her clients would agree For Jan took time to listen Treating all with dignity Jan’s cycling was a passion She did not flinch from hills Her time as Biker Beryl Brought much laughter, sun and thrills Another side to Janice Was an intuitive gift She loved to read the Tarot And could make cards move and shift Moho -ing brought adventure And a licence to explore Each coastal route and woodland Nighttime gin drunk by the shore Jan never lost connection With her loving Mum and Dad Her belief in their presence Offered strength when times were bad Jan’s love for her family Her granddaughter and son Was the most deeply guarded Lined with pride for all they’ve done Those of you here who knew Jan Saw the courage she portrayed She rarely was defeated From a diamond, she was made Her heart of gold was something She did not, to strangers, show But once you’d won her trust Her kindness let you know Jan did not have a smooth path Yet she lived life to the full Her need for freedom shaped her She turned her back on all things dull I guess that at Jan’s centre Was a spirit, brave and strong Who believed in truth and justice And stood against what’s wrong So, if I could bottle for you The essence that was Jan I’d use courage, love and mischief A unique Penhaligon’s




What an absolutely beautiful tribute to your friend. Jan and all the angels shine brightly around you Trudi. You are a lovely soul. So very sorry for your loss. RIP Jan ♥️💫ox
A lovely tribute for a lovely person! This poem will keep a small part of her forever.❤️