A celebration of Jennifer’s life
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Jennifer, Family, friends, and anyone who knew Jennifer are welcome to come and say goodbye and help celebrate her life with us.
Born in May 1948, Jennifer dedicated almost six decades to Scouting, leaving behind a legacy of service, leadership, and kindness that touched thousands of lives.
She first joined the Scouts in 1966, at the age of 18, as an Assistant Section Leader with the Cubs. From that moment, Scouting became her lifelong passion and Jennifer went on to serve as a Cub Section Leader, District Scouter for Cubs, and later as Assistant County Commissioner for Cubs.
In 2016, she led East Lancashire’s centenary celebrations marking 100 years of Cub Scouts — an event she approached with her trademark warmth and pride. Much of Jennifer’s Scouting life was rooted in the Hyndburn District, where she made a profound and lasting impact, serving as District Commissioner from 1997 to 2008.
In 2017, she received the Silver Wolf Award — the highest honour for adult volunteers in UK Scouting and the personal gift of the Chief Scout — in recognition of her ‘most exceptional’ service. Outside of Scouting, Jennifer also gave decades of service to her community. She served for 30 years as a Special Constable with Lancashire Constabulary , volunteered with the MS Society UK, and regularly supported activities at Blackburn Cathedral.
“Jennifer joined the Scouts in May 1966, at the age of 18, as an Assistant Section Leader in the Cubs. From that first step, she found her lifelong passion.
“The Cub section became the heart of her Scouting life, and she went on to serve as a Cub Section Leader, District Scouter for Cubs, and Assistant County Commissioner for Cubs. Her dedication and enthusiasm shone brightly in 2016, when she led East Lancashire celebrations marking 100 years of Cub Scouts, an occasion she approached with characteristic warmth and pride.
“Much of Jennifer’s Scouting journey was rooted in Hyndburn District, where she made a profound impact. She served as District Commissioner from 1997 to 2008, guiding and supporting volunteers across the area with her trademark patience, insight, and care.
“Beyond that, she took on Appointments Advisory roles, ensuring that new volunteers felt welcomed and supported. Her commitment to nurturing the next generation extended through her work with Young Leaders.
“For over 14 years, Jennifer coordinated the Young Leader provision in Hyndburn, helping hundreds of teenagers across Hyndburn take their first steps into leadership and personal growth. In East Lancashire, Jennifer was a stalwart member of the Volunteering Development Team, supporting thousands of volunteers through their training in the capacity as a Local Training Manager for many years – a role she loved and cherished.
“Jennifer, and her brother Ken, were jointly awarded the Silver Fusilier Cup in 2019, shared between three Scout Counties, for outstanding contributions to Scouting in the North West. In recognition of her exceptional service, Jennifer was awarded the Silver Wolf in 2017, the highest award for adult volunteers in UK Scouting and the personal gift of the Chief Scout. The award is reserved for service of the most exceptional nature, and Jennifer truly embodied that spirit throughout her life.
“Beyond Scouting, Jennifer was deeply committed to her wider community. She devoted 30 years of service as a Special Constable for Lancashire Constabulary Specials , working tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of others. Her dedication, integrity, and compassion shone through in everything she did, whether in uniform or in her many volunteer roles.
Jennifer also gave her time generously to the M S Society , helping to organise days out and Transport for those affected by the condition. She volunteered regularly at Blackburn Cathedral , always willing to lend a hand wherever help was needed.
“Jennifer will be remembered for her kindness, her practical wisdom, her humorous wit, and her deep sense of duty. She led with compassion, mentored with patience, and brought joy and calm wherever she went.
“Her influence can be seen in the countless volunteers and young people she guided, and in the enduring strength of the communities she helped build. Our heartfelt thoughts are with her loved ones, friends, and the many Scouts whose lives she enriched through her lifetime of service.
Service
A Funeral Service service for Jennifer will take place at St Augustine’s Church Bolton Avenue Huncoat BB56HN on Tuesday 9th December at 12:00. Followed by Committal at 1:00pm at Accrington Crematorium Burnley Road Accrington BB56HA
Family flowers only Donations if desired in memory of Jennifer may be made to M.S Society and Happy Cats Accrington .
Jennifer was greatly loved by all who knew her, and she will live in our hearts and memories forever.
