Former Mayoress of Burnley dies, aged 82 (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Former Mayoress of Burnley dies, aged 82

10:47am Friday 13th November 2009 in

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A CHARITY worker and former Mayoress of Burnley has died.

Jeanie Pickup, former wife of former mayor Albert Pickup, was with members of her family including her sister, three children, and grandchildren, when she died after a short illness at Royal Blackburn Hospital on Sunday.

The 82-year-old, who moved to Burnley in 1956, was a Sunday school teacher with the Burnley Latter Day Saints and also campaigned with the Woman's Relief Society.

Her son David Pickup, a Burnley barrister and judge, said: “My mother was involved in many community activities in Burnley over 50 years, as well as being mayoress in 1978.

“She worked for many years on the mayoress’ committee raising funds for charities and was also a foster parent for many children, and ran a children’s nursery from her home in Manchester Road.

“She was a lovely person and quietly did many kind things for others that she wouldn't ever speak about and her home was always open to those with a problem to share.”

Jeanie helped build the LDS Chapel in Belvedere Road from 1968 to 1969 through labouring tasks and brick cleaning.

She also visited schools across Burnley on a regular basis to talk about the Latter Day Saints.

She was a member of the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service and also ran a Derby and Joan Club at St John’s Church, Gannow Top.

As well as delivering meals on wheels, Jeanie worked as a volunteer at Burnley General Hospital in the charity shop.

David added: “I will always remember her cheerful outlook and dry Scottish wit.

“Despite her many trials she never once wavered in her faith.

“She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. She was certainly loved by me and my family.”

Jeanie leaves four children, 16 grandchildren, and four great grandchildren.

Her son Craig is a MBA graduate working in the USA, daughter Heather is a school teacher in Geneva, and her foster son Ian is a sales executive in Manchester.

The funeral will be at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Belvedere Road, Burnley at 2pm on Tuesday.