Thanks to Chris for sharing this with OnTheWight readers. Ed
Following a sudden and unexpected illness on 2nd January, Hiliary Jarman (nee McCallion) of Freshwater, Isle of Wight, passed away peacefully at Southampton General Hospital on Friday 15th January 2016, the day after her 57th birthday.
A celebration of Hiliary’s life
On Saturday 13th February 2016 Hiliary’s family and local community hosted an afternoon celebration of Hiliary’s wonderful and extraordinary life at the Methodist Hall, Freshwater, followed by a projection of videos from her very happy and active life onto her home at Freshwater Court.
The afternoon celebration was attended by over 250 friends and family, including members of all the 11 charities that she supported and colleagues from the many local interest groups to which she belonged.
Freshwater Methodist Hall was bedecked in colourful prayer flags, flowers, displays from the Wessex Cancer Trust and WI, table settings of some of the over 400 sympathy cards received by the family and a mouth watering selection of cakes and refreshments from Freshwater Central WI who also supported the event with coffee and tea throughout the afternoon.
All touched by her grace welcomed
The family had invited all those touched by Hiliary’s grace and love to attend, and readings, poetry and memories were given by her family, university friends and charity volunteer colleagues.
Hiliary’s family had collated and projected a slideshow of hundreds of pictures and videos with her perpetual smile, infectious laugh and showing her joyous life and dedication to so many charitable causes and their fund raising events.
Closing collection
A closing collection was made in support of the Wessex Cancer Trust, IOW Huntington’s Disease Society and the Southampton Hospital Intensive Care Unit Family & Visitors Facility.
Those unable to attend may send donations via Chris Jarman, Freshwater Court, Court Road, Freshwater IOW PO40 9NU.
Hiliary’s background
A native of Limavady, Northern Ireland, Hiliary attended Ogilby Trust Primary School and then Limavady Grammar School where she completed her A levels. Hiliary was a leader in the guides and completed her Gold Duke of Edinburgh Award which she received at Buckingham Palace. Hiliary left Northern Ireland to attend Reading University where she graduated with a degree in German.
She spend 15 years with GRE Insurance and the past 21 years supporting and fund raising for many cancer and neurological charities in Reading, Rottingdean, Greenwich (Connecticut USA), Saltdean and, for the past 11 of those years, here on the IOW.
Hiliary will be especially remembered for her support of the Wessex Cancer Trust where her energy, vitality and loving friendship helped many to manage the challenges and treatment for cancer.
Hiliary leaves behind her husband of 35 years Chris, son’s Sam (Nicole) and Ben, granddaughter Cara, father George McCallion, sister Frances McCallion, brother’s Mark McCallion and George (Olywn) McCallion and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
