I was not Jackie’s sister - that special place belongs to Jane, her much loved little sis – yet over the years Jackie became like a sister to me. When I married into the, not-uncomplicated, Brenman family I knew in Jackie, I had an ally and trusted friend. There seemed to be two of everything: mothers-in-law, fathers-in-law along with all the complexities that go with that. Jackie made me feel we were in it together. This was a sisterhood, she being the senior partner of course – navigating the sometimes choppy waters – Jackie with a kindness, patience and forbearance that I could only marvel at. It goes without saying, but I’m going to say it anyway, that she was a woman of great style and beauty. She loved clothes, she loved shopping, and yet within this is a contradiction for me. She cared about how she looked, yes – and she always looked stunning – yet she was one of the least vain people I ever met. I think, in part, her appearance was something she took care of, like she took care of so many things and people in her lifetime. I doubt there is anyone here today who did not feel ‘taken care of’ by Jackie in some way. Dear Jackie’s life has ended sooner than it should have, and some might say, she didn’t do all the things she might have liked to. She didn’t become Jacques Cousteau for one thing which, apparently, was an early ambition (for you youngsters, he was a French marine biologist.) And yet, she was an explorer in her way - one of people and of the immediate world around her. Not exotic or far-flung perhaps, but meaningful, nevertheless. A world that really came into sharp focus after her diagnosis. In her last summer she and Owen spent some time in Suffolk and every morning she would send me a WhatsApp message (as she did so many of us here) with photos of flowers and birds – of the nature around her. This is a typical one: Eight grouse and chicks in garden – coming right up to (closed) door and trying to get in. Lovely! Another she sent when she had to travel back to London for a day of treatment. It’s so Jackie – thoughtful, practical, getting on with life whatever it threw at her: Helllooooo. FYI taking bottom sheets, pillowcases and towels to be washed will bring them all back! Hoovered etc and will take rubbish. Nothing in fridge that will go off before we are back so all good. Smiley face. Anything you would like me to do/check this am? She liked a tidy ship, did Jackie. She was the Jacques Cousteau of our world – she was the captain of our ship. Stylish, strong. It always felt, with Jackie at the helm, things would get back on track, people would behave, difficulties would be dealt with, with kindness and gentleness and a practicality and assurance that, to my mind, is the mark of a great leader. She was most definitely the matriarch in our family – and I can say that quite safely because the other two aren’t here! The other day, Greg and I were irritated by something someone had done, and he said to me, we must channel our inner Jackie. I knew what he meant. We must rise above it, forget our petty grievance, and be kind, understanding, and not so quick to judge. It was a good reminder to me, and one I suspect we could all do with at times. Certainly, the world would be a much better place if everyone remembered to channel their inner Jackie. If I had a drink in my hand right now, then I would make a toast to that. To our inner Jackies….

I was incredibly sad to hear the news of my late Director Jackie passing. If it wasn’t for Jackie I wouldn’t be where I am today. She believed in me and encouraged me to reach for the stars. I have never met a woman like that... she listened with commission and was truly empathetic. I will miss her so much... she is/was a rear human I will probably never meet again. Rest in forever peace Mrs Jackie. (PA to Jackie EE)

“Give me strength!” was your favourite remark when you get frustrated. We would look at each other and either start laughing or go for coffee. I loved sitting right in front of you at EE. You unknowingly passed your leadership traits by me overhearing how you coach your team and never berated anyone even when they caused kerfuffle. Oddly enough, I muttered “Give me strength” to myself last week and started laughing as it reminded me of you. I was planning to call you this week and didn’t know you’ve already checked out. I didn’t even know that you got sick. But that’s not a surprise because you would spare anyone from any sadness they would have felt. I will miss our lunch and coffee times together. You had such a beautiful way of telling stories about your holidays and your boys. I remember telling you that you should have been a writer or a marketer because you always managed to capture my imagination. But for now let me say this, that your words of encouragement had given me strength and wished that I could have done the same for you when times were truly tough. I will always remember you Jackie, your elegance, your hearty laugh, your kindness, wise words and your stories, all I will keep with me. Your seat mate, Carmen Mason