JEAN Parker, 68, of Royal Wootton Bassett, was well known for her enthusiastic involvement in many aspects of the town's life. She was the youngest child in the Hutchings family, and was born at Dunnington Road, in a house only 11 doors from the one that became her marital home.

Her father was a tenant farmer and Jean attended school at Clyffe Pypard and Burderop before an early career as a nanny, in Shrivenham and Broad Hinton. A former employer’s glowing testimonial to her work and character in those years was quoted by her cousin John Hopkins, in a eulogy prepared by her family. A large congregation at St Bartholomew’s Church shared in a vibrant thanksgiving service, led by the Rev Derek Ormston, following the Kingsdown cremation.

Jean and her husband John Parker, whose parents had been friends for years, were married in July 1969 and gained much joy from their family life, with daughter Nicola, son Richard (born in 1976 and 1974) and three grandchildren.

Jean was active in various committees and PTAs, including Old Court Community Pre-school, County Infants, Noremarsh and Wootton Bassett schools. She organised fundraising events, including barn dances, was in great demand for her catering skills, and won awards for her outstanding work with the Scout Supporters and Contact the Elderly.

She met many people in Wootton Bassett town centre through her work in retail sales and management, at the former Brady’s chemist, Weedon’s Bakery, Artichoke fashion store in Borough Fields, and subsequently, until 2012, at M&Co in the High Street. She also spent some years as local manager of a team of machine knitters who produced goods for a London company.

Jean loved helping and advising customers, and was noted for her personal style and flair. She always relished shopping for clothes.

Holidays were another major interest and she planned these meticulously, not only for her family, but for her husband’s colleagues in the Rover Group. Having recovered well from breast cancer, she enjoyed further wonderful holidays, but on return from Lanzarote at the beginning of March, she succumbed to an aggressive form of liver cancer, and She died peacefully at Prospect Hospice on March 24.

The reflection, “You can shed tears….or smile, open your eyes, love and go on” was read by her son Richard. The service ended with Don Williams’ recording of the song You’re My Best Friend.

Refreshments and more reminiscences were shared at The Wiltshire Hotel Golf & Leisure Club. Memorial donations for Prospect Hospice may be sent c/o Hillier Funeral Service, 170 Victoria Road, Swindon SN1 3DF.