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A tribute to Jane Drew from the Mothers’ Union in St Edmundsbury and Ipswich
It was a privilege to attend the Service of Thanksgiving and Commendation for Jane in Lavenham today (25.1.22), a month to the day: Jane died on Christmas Day. A large congregation came to remember Jane, and the impact she had on so many lives.
Each part of this service was chosen to reflect Jane’s firm faith. The address was given by Revd. Ian Friars and detailed Jane’s long and full life. He emphasised her dedication to and long service for Mothers’ Union at many levels and in many places.
Jane’s steadfast faith developed from an early age. She worked for a solicitor and completed some training to become a nurse, before she married Revd. Gerald Drew. They enjoyed 57 years of married life together. Gerald and Jane served in several parishes before retiring to Lavenham. As Revd Friars pointed out, Jane was what every parish wants in a clergy wife – enthusiastic, easy to work with and entirely supportive of her husband’s ministry. In December 2021, Jane celebrated with Gerald, as he marked 60 years of ministry.
At the service today DP Linda Ginn read a lesson and other MU members were present to recognise Jane’s invaluable contribution to the work of the Mothers’ Union.
In writing this tribute, I know that everyone I spoke to today had a positive memory of Jane. Her faith helped her to live her life in a way that touched others and they all remembered her with thankfulness and gratitude. We will miss her. May she rest in peace and rise in glory.
Ann, from Lavenham MU, also added that Jane “was kind, compassionate and fun loving. She had an inner joy and a zest for life, a great example of service both to her family and community”.
I too would like to pay tribute to Jane in appreciation for her love and support over these last years, and for all that she has contributed to the MU here in Suffolk. She will be sorely missed. Jane’s Service of Thanksgiving and Commendation will be taking place at the Parish Church in Lavenham on Tuesday, 25th January, 2022 at 2.30 pm followed by tea and cake. Our thanks to Sue helping with the catering; to Sandra and Beryl for their flower arrangements and bringing the MU Banner, to Keith and Ann for their loving support, and to all the MU members who came to support Gerald. It was a lovely and fitting service. Beryl sent a card to husband Gerald on behalf of our Diocese, and sent him and the family our deepest sympathy and knowing that they will be comforted by the love, thoughts and prayers of her many friends, both within the Mothers’ Union and beyond.
The photo above shows Jane with other members making Christmas cards for prisoners.
A tribute from St Alban’s Diocese
Jane was the MU Diocesan President in St Albans in the mid-90’s. Her then Secretary writes that “Jane was a hard-working DP who did not shy away from difficult decisions, and steered her trustees and other diocesan officers through some choppy waters. Her faith was very precious and at times, Jane clung to that, sure that the work she was doing in the name of MU was important and in line with what she believed”.
Photo credits - Sue Norrington