Tributes to 'Harlawhill mum' Jean Thomson after her death

Jean Thomson, 80, had been chair of the centre on Prestonpans’ East Loan for nearly 30 years, being on the steering group a year before its doors opened in 1992.

Jean, who was born in Prestonpans but lived in Musselburgh, consistently and freely gave her time and effort to support Harlawhill.

The mum-of-two, a trained speech therapist, contributed significantly to the development of the centre and helped “turn it into the wonderful place it is today”, said its manager Fiona Mitchell.

Fiona said that there was “no one more unique and inspirational than Jean Thomson” and described her as her “Harlawhill mum”.

Fiona said: “Her wisdom and guidance supported me through many challenges that our centre faced.

“Jean had such a calm, unassuming manner; she was not afraid to speak her mind but in such a way she always got her point over and never offended anyone.

“Jean’s magnetic personality means that she has a significant number of friends and acquaintances – or followers, as I called them – and this alone brought huge benefits to our centre.”

Jean’s fundraising efforts, which included coffee mornings featuring her famous meringues, started the year before the centre opened.

Fiona said that all Jean needed to do was “ask her friends and suddenly we would have the best baking stall, raffle and bottle stall”, and thanks to their continued support, alongside support from her family, coffee mornings would happen every year.

Jean’s husband Ian was also a strong supporter of Harlawhill Day Centre and her work; he would often help carry out maintenance tasks when called upon.

Other activities Jean ran at Harlawhill included working with people on their life story books and taking the centre’s members on a trip down memory lane using old photos and gathering history of past member; she sourced photos of where they used to work and put them into a book, with one being used at a member’s funeral.

But arguably Jean’s greatest achievement during her time at Harlawhill was her fundraising to buy three new buses.

She was an accomplished public speaker and spoke at Rotary clubs and Burns suppers. She would not charge for speaking at these events, instead donating her fee to the centre.

Jean was also involved in the local drama group, stroke club and organised the nativity at Prestongrange Church.

As a thank you for all of her work, Jean was awarded a British Empire Medal last year but, due to Covid-19 restrictions, was not able to receive it.

On Monday, which was also International Women’s Day, Jean suddenly passed away from cancer.

She was diagnosed last year and got the all-clear after a major operation but, two months ago, she began to feel unwell and found out that the cancer had returned.

Fiona described Jean as “such a people person” who “loved being part of the centre”.

She added: “Jean was such a good listener and her years of experience as a speech therapist helped.

“She had ways of getting members to open up and engage in conversation naturally. Her understanding and empathy with members was special. Jean was able to treat everyone as an equals.

“She is a massive loss to our centre and community and is just a wonderful lady.

“Jean will be missed so much by her lovely family. The most important thing in Jean’s life was her family, she was so proud of them.

“Jean was much more than a trustee or a chairperson. Jean was a shining light in my life. She guided me in my work and as a friend.

“We shared so many good times and she brought out the best in me; she encouraged and supported me through every step of my working life at Harlawhill and for that I am ever so grateful and glad to have known this amazing, inspirational lady.

“I will continue to give 100 per cent to Harlawhill and strive to keep it the excellent centre that Jean helped to build.

“She is one amazing lady who will never be forgotten.”

When restrictions allow, a celebration of Jean’s life will be organised in recognition of her contribution to Harlawhill and the wider community.