Patricia Jakeways

Patricia died in St Gemma's Hospice as gently and quietly as she had lived. She came to St Edmund's when her family moved to Roundhay and served her fifteen years as a Reader with us. We owe her so much. Patricia lived for God and through him for other people. She touched all our lives for good.

Her teaching career began in Shropshire after a degree in History and Latin at Keele. She continued to teach in Leeds alongside those who are so often marginalized in society - children with cerebral palsy, refugees from Chile and prisoners in Armley Jail. It was her work in the prison that led to her becoming part of the chaplaincy team in 1994 as a Church of England lay assistant and then being recommended for Reader training.

We, at St Edmund's benefited from her Reader ministry. She was there for us all, generous with her time to each and every one. She made friends across the generations and walked alongside many on their faith journeys. She never judged but accepted people as they are, a good listener and a wise counsellor. We shall miss her.

But her gifts were spread far wider than St Edmund's. In the parish she loved to take communion to those unable to get to church and was much loved in return. She was a great supporter of ecumenism and her ministry in residential and nursing homes and in Forest Hill Sheltered Housing flats with members of other churches was very special to her. For Leeds Readers in training she was a skilled assessor of sermons, an encourager as well as having a keen eye and attention to detail.

In the diocese, she worked as a spiritual director and was working with others to put together and lead a course on spiritual direction. She was a member of WATCH, the diocesan group committed to the priestly and Episcopal ministry of women and a member of Amnesty.

In the last year of her life, Patricia returned to her roots of being alongside those who seek asylum. Her work with PAFRAS (Positive Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) as a volunteer in their drop-in centre each week was a great blessing to her.

For Patricia, perhaps the most privileged ministry of all was one of prayer. She held us all in God's presence in her prayers.

Patricia's own family was very special to her. She had spent much time over the last few years with Katy and Jack, members of her extended family. She loved them and was so proud of them. They, with her daughters, Helen and Meriel and the rest of her extended family, were there for her in a wonderful way in the last few weeks of hr life. She understood the complexities of family relationships from her own experience and called them all her "team". They were so precious to her and she loved each one without reserve.

Her family and her many friends have been privileged to know her and be part of her life. We trust her now to God, knowing that there will be great rejoicing in all the company of heaven as they welcome her and take her home. May she rest in peace.

Maureen Williams

Thank you …
Fresh air, fluttering leaves and more leaves
blow away deep
slow crackles and restlessness
people by the hundred gather together
each with their crisp voice offering
"I'm for Peter" "I'm for Paul"
Jesus truly call us all
calls us to fall
before the walking wounded
in front of the broken wall
The Spirit - alone -
joins us all in one"
Poem written by Patricia in St Gemma's on 16th July, given to Meriel and printed with her permission.

Patricia was affectionately known as 'Woolley' by her family. This is 'Woolley the Sheep' made of white roses which was next to Patricia's coffin.

Some of the many cards which had been sent to Patricia which were mounted and displayed in church.

© St Edmund's Church, Roundhay - Charity Number 1131904