I was saddened tonight, Friday 24th February 2017 to learn that one of Blantyre’s eldest residents has passed away. Sadly, Blantyre lady JEAN GIBSON passed away this morning at the age of 97.
Born in 1919 as Jane Stewart, she would be known by her preferred name of Jean throughout her long life. In her younger days she lived at former miners homes, Dixon’s Rows at Stonefield before moving to Main Street, High Blantyre and then for the majority of her life in Welsh Drive. Latterly, she was a resident of the Victoria Park Nursing Home. Many people will remember Jean as being a High Blantyre lady.
She married James Orr Dorricott in 1942 and during the 1940’s, had two sons Jonathan (Jonny) and William (Bill). Her husband James, however passed away in 1974 when she was 55 years old. Later in the 1970’s, she remarried George Gibson.
With sadness, grandson Alan Dorricott told me this evening, “Her claim to fame was that she worked during the Second World War in Rolls Royce, Hillington, building Spitfire engines.This photo is from the late 1970’s. It’s the way most folk would remember her. She wouldn’t leave the house without the hair and make up done.”
Jean’s son Jonny passed away in 2009. Jean is survived by other son Bill and a large family! 6 grand children, 10 great grandchildren and 1 great, great grandchild.
What an astonishingly long life this remarkable lady had. We send our sympathies to Jean’s family at this sad time.
Rest in Peace Jean.