THE funeral service for the late Jacqueline Stephens (née Benney) took place on Friday, June 6, conducted by Deacon Debbie Marsh and attended by many family and friends.

Jacqueline, known to all as Jacki, was born in Truro in 1953. She spent her early years in Launceston, St Austell, and Penzance before moving to Bude at the age of 15. She attended Bude Grammar School, where she completed her O-Levels and A-Levels, before gaining her Secretarial qualification at Camborne Technical College.

Jacki’s first job was at Peter, Peter and Sons Solicitors in Bude, where she and Micky both worked. They got married in November 1976 at Bude Central Methodist Church in a special joint service with the local Catholic priest.

Jacki and Micky made their home in Seawell Road, where they transformed a bungalow into a warm and welcoming family house. It was here they raised their two daughters, Dani and Kim. Jacki was later blessed with four wonderful grandchildren, whom she adored. She loved watching them grow and flourish, and her deep love of family was symbolised in the flowers chosen for her coffin — a meaningful combination drawn from her own wedding bouquet and those of her daughters.

Jacki worked for many years as Manager of the Bude Tourist Information Centre. During this time, she also successfully ran the Bude Jazz and Bude Folk Festivals — events that brought joy to the town and showcased her superb organisational skills and tireless energy. Never one to stop learning, Jacki completed a Management NVQ Level 5, a testament to her drive and commitment to personal achievement.

Having lived in Bude for over 56 years, Jacki was a well-known and much-loved figure in the community. She supported many local charities and events, always willing to give her time to help others. In particular she spent many years supporting Launceston Rugby Club and the Bude Canal Society, and she recently celebrated her 50th blood donation - an accomplishment she was very proud of.

Her devoted and loving husband delivered a deeply moving tribute, with personal reflections from her daughters and a touching poem read by two of her grandsons. The music — chosen by Jacki herself — captured her zest for life and her selfless nature.

A generous sum of £2137.85 has been raised in her memory for the Bude and Stratton branch of Cancer Research UK, and the family are incredibly grateful for everyone’s kindness and support during this time.

Since her passing several people have commented on how Jacki was such a lovely person with lots of energy and a giving nature. She will very much be missed by her friends and family, but her memory will live on in the people she has helped, supported and impacted during her life.

Walked behind coffin: Michael Stephens, Danielle McGrellis (née Stephens), Kimberley Hacquoil (née Stephens), Jo Barker, Sheila Jones, Jennifer Stephens, Martin McGrellis, Jacob McGrellis, Andrew Hacquoil, James Hacquoil, Thomas Hacquoil, Pippa Hacquoil, Alice Stephens-Mayor, Ed Greaves, Linda Pickard, Dave Pickard.

Messrs and Mesdames: Graham Dawe, Graham Duke (rep Lloyd, Sammi, Jordan, Mellisa), Jill and Phil Hobbs, Dave Mason, JJ and Kiki Willcocks (Neil and Sally Grigg), Roger Dinnis (Launceston Rugby Club), Ian Street, Ian Goodman, J Tucker (Mrs D Shipton), Roddy Statton (John Statton), John Hicks, P Risdon (Launceston Rugby Club), Vik and Mike Herbert-Coulson (Bude Canal H S), Nigel and Carol Hacquoil (Mr and Mrs T Bennett).

Mesdames: Sarah Tucker (Chris, Sofia and Juliette Tucker, Mr and Mrs V Tucker), Susan Jamieson (president Launceston Rugby Club, Mr G Browne, Mike Warne, David Perry), Carol Whibley (Launceston Rugby Club), Margaret Overy (Jackie Stanistreet Nee Overy, Nadine Stanistreet), Debbie Vicarstaff, Gill Beasley, Wendy Brown (Gill Cole, Ann Furse, Angela Locke), Jemma Johns, Hannah Stickney, Suz Lamble, Vicky Congdon (Mr Christopher Congdon), Cathy Cann (Mr Ray Cann, Lydia Dell, Sandra Bailey), Linda Ashton, Wendy Johnson, Nancy Carter, Yvonne Jacquett, Lesley Moores, Julia Shepherd (Mrs Valerie Newman), Sue Kershaw, Bernadette Knott, Val Ridding, Mary Furse, Emily Barker (Hannah and David Worsley, Travis).

Messrs: Steve Clifton (Bude Bridge Club), Ralph Wilkinson (Launceston RFC), R D Nancekivell, A Risdon, Neil Turner, Chris Hammond (Bude Rugby Club), Alan Stephens (Julie and Jan), John Shepherd (Mrs N Shepherd), Justin Wallace (Brewer, Harding and Rowe), Andrew Woo (Brewer, Harding and Rowe), Mark Carter, Miles Tummon, Trevor Pearn (Jeremy Rodgers), Neil Trenaman (Bude Bridge Club), Ian Johns, Mike Moore (Bude Canal and Harbour Society), Peter Daniel (Bude Canal and Harbour Society), Chris Jewell (Bude Canal and Harbour Society), Rob Fry (family).

Miss: D O’Connell.