Jean Teasdale

A Matfen woman who devoted her life to the village community and caring for others has died at the age of 74. Jean Teasdale, who served as resident organist at Matfen’s Holy Trinity Church for more than 30 years, suffered a stroke two weeks ago and died on October 10. Perhaps best known for her role as matron at the Leonard Cheshire Care Home which once occupied Matfen Hall, Jean was born in the village in 1935 and spent her early childhood living in the Black Bull pub, which was managed by her family. The family relocated to Wallsend, where Jean completed her education, while maintaining close links with family and friends in Tynedale. She studied nursing and began her career in 1956 as a ward sister in Newcastle General Hospital’s cardiovascular unit, where she spent more than 10 happy years. During her training she met husband Bill, who was recovering from an operation. Jean’s work in the care profession continued in 1967 when she got a job at the Leonard Cheshire home, where she rose up the career ladder to become matron in 1971. During her employment at the home Jean and Bill lived on site. Bill (77) said: “I have very fond memories of our lives at the hall. All the residential staff were like one big family and even though, as a fitter, I often worked away, I was always there to lend a hand if it was needed. “Jean was always thinking of others before herself and never had a Christmas Day off in her working life. She would be there to make sure everything was just right for the residents.” The home closed in the mid-1990s and Jean became assistant manager at Hexham’s Burn Brae Lodge, before becoming a care attendant for Tynedale Hospice at Home. After retiring in her late 60s she continued to work as a volunteer in the charity’s shop in Hexham. She leaves a sister and brother-in-law, Margaret and Al Logan, who live in Corbridge.