The younger daughter of Thomas and Ellen Mary Taylor, of Burnside Farm, Slaidburn, Jean was five when the family moved to Marl Hill, two miles from Whitewell and the village's Church of England primary school, which Jean attended. She later attended Ribblesdale Secondary Modern School in Clitheroe.

Leaving school just before the start of the Second World War, activities for 14-year-olds were limited, with Jean relying on her mother's piano playing and renditions of war time songs for amusement. A trip to the cinema back then was considered a treat!

With identity cards, gas masks and ration books commonplace, Jean grew up during a time when lights on vehicles had to be dipped and there were blackout curtains in every house.

Meeting her husband, Mr Harry Crabtree, at her uncle's farm dispersal sale, the couple married at All Saints' Church, Pendleton, in 1946.

They set up home at the Crabtree family farm – Twin Brook, Up Brooks, Clitheroe – and had two sons, John and Brian. A sociable woman, who always had a good sense of humour, Jean was an active member of Pendleton WI for decades.

Even after her husband's death in the early '90s, Jean still lived life to the full, finding time for gardening and playing cards.

Moving to Corbridge Court sheltered housing, in Kirkmoor Road, Clitheroe, in later life, Jean was always first to sign up for day trips and quiz nights. She also enjoyed playing dominoes, whist and dances at the Pendle Club, in Lowergate, Clitheroe.

Jean, who died after a short illness, leaves her sons John and Brian, daughter-in-laws Liz and Susan, and four grandchildren, Carol, Mark, Caroline and Claire.

A funeral was held at St Mary's Parish Church, Clitheroe, on Tuesday.
Our picture shows Mrs Dorothy Jean Crabtree. (s)