Family, friends and charity leaders gathered at the funeral of Jean Cassells to remember her smile and sense of adventure.

The 83-year-old great-grandma Jean lived on Manchester Street in Barrow for 60 years.

She previously worked as a midday school supervisor for Holy Family Catholic Primary School.

She was said to have enjoyed making sure every child had a costume for the Christmas show.

Former pupil Denis Horan said she could be stern when needed but rewarded good behaviour with kindness and small gifts. Jean helped bring locals together at a street party for the Silver Jubilee in 1977, a chance to use her creative talents for making decorations from scraps.

It was a skill she used for several years at Dalton’s Christmas Tree Festival by designing a display to raise funds for Furness Carers and spread awareness of the charity's support to carers.

Speaking at Jean’s funeral, her son Michael described how she pushed through pain to get the most out of life by 'seeing every day out as an adventure'.

From enjoying the waves on the Coast Road or sledging in snow with grandchildren, to champagne on top of the Eiffel Tower aged 81, she set an example of making every day count.

Her son said she could be just as excited by seeing a butterfly or snow as she was attending a royal garden party with the Queen.

Jean contracted Covid-19 during a stay at Furness General Hospital.

Mr Cassells said he was reassured after a meeting with hospital trust representatives that every care had been taken.

Mr Cassells spent two days at his mother’s side wearing protective equipment and witnessed the daily risks staff undertake with dedication.

He points out that bt the time we get to Christmas possibly more than 100 Barrovians will have died because of the virus.

Mr Cassells, a former councillor and health spokesman for Barrow Council, urges everyone to shine some Christmas lights in the memory of those lost and take care to celebrate Christmas safely while taking care of others.

A online fundraising page has been set up in memory of Jean Cassells, with money going to Mind in Furness.

So far more than £400 has been raised for the mental health charity.

See https://www.justgiving.com/remember/820050/Jean-Cassells