Tributes to Alison Jacques who has died aged 50
FAMILY, friends and colleagues have expressed shock and sadness at the sudden death of Alison Jacques at the age of 50.
She was found at her home in Barrow-upon-Soar on the evening of Saturday, April 1.
The cause is still under investigation, although her family have been told there are no suspicious circumstances.
Her funeral is being held at Holy Trinity Church, Barrow-upon-Soar, on Friday (April 21) at 1pm.
The former Loughborough High School pupil was the daughter of Hazel and her late father Alan, well known in the town as a policeman.
She also leaves behind sisters Glenys, Valerie and Hilary as well as her partner, Peter.
She had a multitude of jobs and was also involved with community organisations in Quorn, where she lived until recently.
Her wide ranging artistic talents included a long association with Charnwood Arts and a love of writing.
A few weeks prior to her death she completed a four-week tour with Blue Orange Theatre Company’s excellent performance of Lady Chatterley’s Lover.
Close friend John Brindley said: “Alison’s passing was a deep shock in itself, but also for its timing. Many people witnessed she was in a very good place in her life and looking forward to a positive future.
“She was very talented – the novel she was working on was brilliant – and always prepared to help others, irrespective of her own situation.
“I am one of many people who owe her a huge debt of gratitude and am devastated we have lost her so early.”
Kevin Ryan, of Charnwood Arts, said: “Ali worked for Charnwood Arts in a creative development role with a particular responsibility for initiating and running projects in South Charnwood.
“Her skill and ability in engaging people to share their stories and explore their creative potential was mirrored by her own wonderful creative skills and talents.
“We were looking forward to working with Ali again this year to produce a book by Hayley Smith, a young woman with a profound nervous system disease, who sadly died in 2016. Charnwood Arts hope to do this still in memory of and as a testament to both.”
Glenys Jacques said: “Alison was an inspiration, warm and always giving her time freely. She was a writer, story teller and artist always looking for ways to give voice to those who are overlooked by a careless society.
“She was planning new audio projects, for living histories, acting in local education projects and enjoying a full life.
“Staff remember Ali with great affection and although deeply saddened by her loss, feel privileged to have known and worked with her and wish to see her life in celebration.
“She was a very remarkable and special person.”