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Islanders were urged to "cherish education and honour public service" in tribute to the powerful legacy of a "woman ahead of her time" who was laid to rest yesterday.
Iris Le Feuvre MBE, who died aged 93 on 2 August, was not only the first ‘mother’ of a parish - St. Lawrence - but also presided over the Education Committee at a time of important change.
A service in celebration of the first female Constable's life was held yesterday at St. Helier Methodist Centre.
The ground floor of the church was already full by 10:45am, with politicians past and present and the Bailiff among those in the crowd, showing just how many people wanted to pay tribute to this "special" islander.
There was a sea of green, purple and white at the church, as attendees complied with Iris’ family’s request to wear bright colours, with suffragette colours “especially welcome”.
Pictured: The church was packed full of people wearing bright colours.
Iris’s coffin was draped in a Jersey flag and adorned with green and purple flowers, highlighting her dedication to the island and particularly the rights of women.
Opening the service, Reverend Tony Morling remarked that it was especially poignant that Iris’ life was being celebrated on A Level results day and in the very building where a group of people met to establish Jersey’s first college for girls, given the Constable’s “lifelong commitment to education”.
Reverend Morling described Iris as a “very strong lady” who was a “much loved, respected and long-standing member of St. Aubin’s Methodist Church”.
He explained that her funeral service had to be held in St. Helier Methodist Church instead due to the huge number of people who wanted to attend to celebrate Iris’ remarkable life.
Pictured: Reverend Tony Morling spoke of Iris' "lifelong commitment to education".
Iris' son, James Le Feuvre paid tribute to a mother who provided a "constant supply of love and affection" as well as numerous home-baked treats.
He described the "three pillars" of Iris' character as "her non-conformism, her commitment to social justice, and her determination".
James admitted that, although he knew Iris was special, he "had not realised until recently how loved she was". He also islanders for their kindness and compassion, with a special thanks to everyone who had sent letters celebrating Iris' life - one of which described her simply as the "most remarkable lady".
James also spoke fondly of Iris as a "woman ahead of her time" with a "direct" nature which "often got her into trouble".
He said: "Whether you agreed with her or not, you knew where you stood with Iris and, for the most part, people loved her for that."
Describing Iris' difficult upbringing at the height of the German Occupation, he explained that she "understood first hand that there was hardship and injustice in the world" and therefore made it her mission to help those who suffered.
Pictured: The service paid tribute to Iris both personal life and political achievements.
James spoke of his mother's vast array of achievements in education, specifically her role in increasing the age of compulsory education in Jersey from 15 to 16 despite significant opposition, and honoured her as "the hardest worker I've ever met".
He finished his tribute by paying homage to his mother's favourite saying, "there's always a way", and added that Iris also "had a way of convincing you that her way was the best way".
After some time for quiet reflection, accompanied by Ashokan Farewell played on the violin by her granddaughter, Alice Le Feuvre, and Irish Blessings sang by the Holmchase Singers, Reverend Tony Morling closed the service.
He sent attendees on their way with the message to "cherish education and honour public service" in tribute to Iris' powerful legacy.
Pictured top: Jersey Heritage loaned Iris' portrait for the service. (Photographs courtesy of Gary Grimshaw)
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