Ex-JCG students pay tribute to "indomitable" English teacher

Tuesday 23 May 2017

Former Jersey College for Girls students are paying tribute to an English teacher with an “infectious” sense of humour, who passed away last week.

Proud New Zealander Jenny Walton, who had worked at the girls school for 26 years before retiring in 2006, died on 13 May after having been ill for some years.

A well-known character within the school community, known for her eccentricity, passion for Shakespeare and bubbly personality, Mrs Walton joined the school’s English Department in September 1980 before taking over the College Library – then based at Rouge Bouillon.

She later became Housemistress of Cavell, one of JCG’s oldest houses, as well as holding a pastoral role within the school from the early 1990s, before retiring in December 2006.

Pictured: Mrs Walton was the teacher-in-charge of the College Library for several years in the late 1980s.

In retirement, she travelled the world before her illness took hold, but her love of drama still kept her close to the school, with the English teacher returning to judge subsequent House Drama competitions, as recently as 2013.

Former JCG students have since paid fond tributes online. Nicola Sarah Cole described her as a “wonderful teacher” – a sentiment shared by Kayleigh Dunning, who wrote: “Very sad news, Mrs Walton was a lovely lady and a great teacher x.”

Sarah Thorogood shared an account of an unexpected but heartwarming encounter with Mrs Walton: “I have a lovely memory of Mrs Walton.... I was calling home at Christmas from the Galapagos in 2000 from a little phone box on the one main road in the town... I hung up feeling sad and missing Jersey and who do I see walking towards me? Mrs Walton! Amazing timing to see a friendly face from little Jersey. She was such a part of my time at JCG. Very sad to hear of her passing; best wishes to her family and friends.”

Elena Seymenliyska described Mrs Walton as an “indomitable force”. “Thank you for all the warmth and kindness through the years! You made me feel like family,” she said.

Pictured: Mrs Walton was extremely passionate about the works of the Bard, William Shakespeare.

In a statement on their Facebook page, the JCG Foundation wrote:

“She continued to support JCG and its activities in her retirement and she will be greatly missed. Both former pupils and colleagues will remember her vitality, her positive outlook on life, her enthusiasm for Shakespearean drama, her infectious laughter and sense of humour.

“We extend our deepest sympathy to her children, Catherine and John.”

Mrs Walton’s funeral will be held today at 14:30 at St Thomas’ Church. All attendees are asked to wear bright colours at the family’s request.

Donations to Jersey Cancer Relief can be made in Mrs Walton’s memory here.