Made a donation of £220 from fundraising from Jan's 70th Birthday Party!

Oh how we missed you on the Hadrian's Wall walk! You may not have been there but your gentle, guiding spirit was ever present. Although one or two did get lost once or twice, so maybe your sense of direction was similar to mine. I miss your wit and intelligence but most of all your lovely smile and caring nature. You were a friend most precious and I am fortunate to have shared your friendship. You will remain in my heart forever.

By complete and utter coincidence, I bumped into a lad that used to be in the class for which Moom was teaching assistant (at St Mary's). And this wasn't on the Wirral or even England - we were in Avignon in South of France of all places! After realising that we had a mutual connection, I told him that 'Mrs Hurst' is actually my Mum! To which he said 'Really?? We all loved Mrs Hurst!!'. As Caz pointed out when I told her, it seems that Moom has earned herself a continental legacy...

Jane’s bravery was all too evident as the Motor Neurone Disease progressed, her positive qualities blazing through the difficulties it presented. As her speech slowed she remained determined to continue work as long as possible and was an inspiration to us all. When speaking was no longer possible Jane was immensely grateful for the use of the lightwriter which was able to ‘speak’ for her. Her sense of humour still evident as she would demonstrate the selection of voices available.

One funny memory is that of the ‘Never ending NVQ 3’. Jane encountered many difficulties and obstacles along the NVQ path! I think many people would probably have given up, but not Jane. She kept going with a smile on her face and a determination to see it through. We were all supportive during this time and had many laughs together - joking about the ongoing saga of the NVQ 3! Of course the result was her eventual well deserved success.

Lasting memories of dearest Jane. How she always managed, from her friendship with Martin and Pat, to extend a share to me. Wherever we were she always welcomed me into her lovely family. Her warmth, fun, and gentleness will always be remembered with the deepest affection. Babs

Jane, you have been such an important part of my life. We have shared the ups and downs together, our long chats sorting out the various problems and the joys. The laughs we have had on our various holidays from the very first in The Lake District, when you and Paul were still students and I had only just met Martin. These shared times were soon to become and have remained the highlight of each year. I have lost my best friend but I know you will remain in my thoughts and I will always say to myself, ‘what would you think of this or that’. I have loved you like a sister, you are the wisest, kindest, most strong- minded person I think I have ever known and my world is a far lesser place without you. Pat

You can shed tears that she is gone Or you can smile because she has lived. You can close your eyes and pray that she will come back Or you can open your eyes and see all that she has left. Your heart can be empty because you can't see her Or you can be full of the love that you shared. You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday. You can remember her and only that she is gone Or you can cherish her memory and let it live on. You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back, Or you can do what she would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Jane was fortunate enough to be able to enjoy many wonderful holidays with her family and her adventurous side often made an appearance – be it flying over the Grand Canyon, walking through the Rain forest canopy, sharing exhilarating rides at theme parks or enjoying the simple pleasures of a Narrow Boat holiday in the UK. Wherever the family went we always looked forward to sharing photos when we all returned to school because Jane would be equally interested in seeing our escapades.

We knew Jane from Somerdale days. Young couples in our 20's playing frisbee in Royal Crescent (!!), frequently drinking that bit too much, having a lot of laughs. We've seen each other infrequently, but memorably, since then. Jane was always that gentle, happy, calm, caring person we all love. We never heard her say a bad word about anyone. She seemed to live through her illness with those same qualities. She was special - and she will have left everyone who knew her with wonderful, warm memories. Thank you Jane. Paul and your fantastic family will continue to do you proud. What a legacy you have left. Chris and Graeme Christie xxxx

We believe that when you lose someone close to you, they continue to live through you and give you strength...The time you spent with those you've lost makes them part of you...Jane will remain very much alive in our Memories with love Vick and Denise Curtis

I knew Jane from St Mary's College, we started working there at the same time; what fun - in at the deep end, but loving every minute of it! I feel very privileged to have known her. It was easy to see that she was a very genuine person, extremely caring and generous. We had many laughs together, but she also offered calmness and a listening ear - always seeing the positive side of things and gently shedding light onto blessings which sometimes seemed elusive. I shall truly miss Jane and believe that I became a richer person through knowing her. Love, Jacqui.

Her love of books was demonstrated through the impulsion to buy every time the Book Club came to school. She would say that she couldn’t help herself and ask us to watch and dissuade her from weakening. It was like ‘Books Anonymous’, and Jane often fell from the straight and narrow path – returning later to place a furtive order, and having to explain reasons for straying when the deliveries came!

Although our paths didn't cross very much over the latter years, I will always remember Jane as gentle, kind, a good listener, patient, quiet, proud, warm, sincere and most of all a very brave lady. I would've been proud to have a mum like Jane. My condolences to Paul and the kids - Naomi