The funeral took place on Friday, May 4th of Miss Jeannette Draper, a resident of Ross-on-Wye and a former Chair of the town’s U3A.

Jeannette died after a short illness at Ross Community Hospital on Wednesday April 18th. She was 64.

The funeral was held at the Forest of Dean Crematorium and the building was filled to capacity by Jeanette’s family and friends. Jeannette had a great sense of humour and in her last weeks she organised her own funeral, which was unique and reflected her personality.

Her coffin entered the building to the strains of “Always look on the bright side of life” from Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

A family favourite – American Pie – was also played and everyone present joined in.

Jeannette left to Peter Cook and Dudley Moore’s “Goodbye”.

The eulogy was given by Jeanette’s brother Mr Trevor Draper who described his sister as “clever, loving and funny”.

Jeannette moved to Ross eight years ago when ill health meant she had to give up her career. She was a Borough Crown Prosecutor for the Crown Prosecution Service in London. She soon settled in the town and threw herself into many activities. She joined the U3A’s walking group, Yoga, Theatre and Gardening groups. A keen jewellery maker she organised and ran the Jewellery group. She was also part of the Environmental Group which took over the planting and upkeep of flower beds on the edge of the town.

Her enthusiasm for the U3A meant that in 2011 she was invited to be its Chair, a role she relished for four years. During her time on the Environment Group she was invited on to the committee for the Ross Strategy Plan.

Jeannette also volunteered for the Royal Voluntary Service Ross Area Transport, which organises transport for local people needing to get to medical or other appointments. Mrs Sheila Hatherall, Service co-ordinator described Jeannette as “a much loved and valued member of the team”.

Lately Jeannette had volunteered for the book service at Ross Community Hospital.

With her many friends Jeannette would explore the area in and around Ross. She was passionate about Ross and the surrounding area and liked nothing more than delving into its local history.

After the funeral, family and friends met at the Larruperz Centre to share their memories of Jeannette.