Village will say farewell to Jean
Villagers in Blanefield are preparing to pay a poignant tribute to one of their oldest residents, who died last Thursday at the age of 101.
Due to the coronavirus lockdown, only family will be allowed to attend the funeral of Jean Keddie, who lived all her life in the village.
However, the funeral directors will drive her through the village one last time today (Friday), with many residents pledging to take to their doorsteps to say farewell.
In a local Facebook post, her family said last Thursday: “On behalf of the Muir family, it is with greatest sadness that we are writing this, that Jean Keddie passed away peacefully in the early hours of this morning.
“Due to present circumstances in the world, we are not able to contact all family and friends in person.
“Could we ask that you pass this on to anyone that knew Jean.”
Relative Shona Muir added: “Thank you all for your comments and best wishes. Jean was a character and could spin a yarn, making you believe anything.
“We will miss her entertainment which was just a natural thing for her. Lovely lady, aunt and great aunt.”
Jean was born on August 17, 1918. She attended Strathblane Primary School and was one of the earliest pupils to attend Balfron High School. Her predecessors would have attended Lennoxtown for their secondary education.
After leaving school she looked after her father and was married to salesman Alexander Keddie.
Although failing health restricted her movements more recently, until a few years ago she attended Strathblane Bowling Club and was a regular at Strathblane Kirk. She was also a member of the WRVS for many years.
Jean is the last of three siblings, her brothers were Arthur and Victor.
Her mother Mary Muir died in the flu pandemic of 1918 a few months after Jean was born. Her father Daniel Muir built the Glasgow Road house she lived in and nearby Gamesley.
On her 100th birthday almost two years ago, her home was packed with relatives and friends from both the Strathblane area and further afield.
At the time Shona said: “It was a constant stream of family, friends and well wishers that really took Jean’s breath away. Cards, gifts and flowers arrived throughout the day and Jean was grateful for them all.
“Her last words at bedtime were ‘that was a day and a half that was’.”
This week Shona posted to villagers: “Due to the current lockdown situation her funeral is for family only, so we thought it would be nice for Jean to have one last trip through the village this Friday on the way to the crematorium.
“The undertaker has agreed to this and intends to pass through here between 10.5011am . We just felt it was fitting for someone who spent her 101+ years in the village.”
Several villagers have pledged to pay tribute to Jean on her final journey.
Gillian Waugh said: “I will make sure I am out in my garden.”
And Ishbel Tomison said: “This is a brilliant idea for a wonderful lady. I’ll make sure to be out to see you passing.”
Lucy Fraser-Gunn said: “We are new to the village but this is a lovely way to show respect for a person who was obviously so well thought of and lets her family share their loss with her community.”
Strathblane Bowling Club will also be flying its flag at half mast.
Murray O’Donnell added: “This is a tribute to a very highly respected member of many years. Jean will be missed by her large circle of friends.
“She will be remembered fondly for knowledge and humour. A member of an old Strathblane family, the Muirs, Jean was one of a kind held in the highest regard by all.”