Oldham Council Book of Condolence

Book of Condolence for Councillor Jean Stretton

Oldham Council is saddened following the death of Councillor Jean Stretton.

Jean, who was 64, was the Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods and had represented Hollinwood as a Labour ward councillor from 2003-2008 and then 2010 onwards.

Raised on the Alt estate, she was educated at Alt Primary and Hathershaw Comprehensive schools.

After studying an MBA at Bolton Institute she returned to live in Hollinwood in 1989.

In 2013, she was named “Community Champion of the Year” at the C’llr Achievement Awards organised by the LGiU for what judges called her “inspiring work to help her community in Oldham recover following a gas explosion” in Shaw.

She became council leader in January 2016 and served until May 2018.

Jean sat on all Hollinwood District Committees and held various Cabinet posts and was also a chair of Oldham Credit Union, a governor at Oasis Academy, Limehurst Primary School and served on the Contour Estate Board since 2003.

She leaves John, two stepchildren, five grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.

ocwebteam

37 responses to “Book of Condolence for Councillor Jean Stretton”

  1. ocwebteam Avatar
    ocwebteam

    Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council, said:

    My thoughts are with her husband John and all her family and friends.

    Jean was an Oldhamer through and through and was everything you want in a local councillor – she listened to residents’ concerns and worked hard to improve their lives and make a difference.

    Her dedicated support of Oldham Foodbank, which was founded in her ward 10 years ago, is just one example of how she cared for her fellow residents.

    She was well-respected and also a pioneer. As Oldham Council’s first female leader she championed the borough on a regional level and I’m honoured that I have been able to follow in her footsteps.

    I speak for a lot of people when I say she’ll be missed.

    Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of Oldham Council

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    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      On behalf of my mum helen Procter I am deeply sorry for the loss of this special lady

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    2. Luke Newman Avatar
      Luke Newman

      As someone who had the privilege of working very closely with Jean for a year at the council, I had first hand experience of how much she loved Oldham and how dedicated she was to make sure every Oldhamer prospered. One of the nicest and most selfless people you’d ever meet and my thoughts and condolences are very much with the family right now.

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    3. John Avatar
      John

      Sad to hear of Jean passing away. Thoughts to her family

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  2. Julie Hughes Avatar
    Julie Hughes

    My thoughts are with Jean at this sad time. Jean was a credit to Hollinwood and fought hard to see improvements for the area. She will be sadly missed by the community

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  3. Emma Barton Avatar
    Emma Barton

    With sincere condolences from everyone in the Environment and Economy Directorates here at Oldham Council – our thoughts and prayers are with Cllr Stretton’s family and friends at this very sad time.

    Her passion and dedication to helping the local community was always heartfelt – rest in peace Jean.

    Emma Barton, Executive Director of Place and Economic Growth

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    1. Dale Avatar
      Dale

      Very a sad loss for the Borough. You will be sadly missed by many thanks for all your hard work
      My toughts are with everyone who knew you and your family.
      R.I.P Jean Stretton

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  4. Kim Kersley Avatar
    Kim Kersley

    Sincere condolences to family and friends. I would have been at school with Jean at Hathershaw. I have come to know of Jean’s achievements and love for Oldham during my time working for the Council and know that this town and its people will miss her.

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  5. Paul McCann Avatar
    Paul McCann

    On 12th March 2012 a number of District Teams became “live” within the Borough of Oldham and I was fortunate enough to be appointed as District Caseworker for what was formerly the Hollinwood & Failsworth District. At that time I commenced dealings with a number of locally elected members, one of whom was Jean who had responsibilities for the Hollinwood ward alongside her colleagues.
    Jean was an ardent supporter of her ward and Town as a whole; she was driven, focused and a true stalwart for her ward. Jean was not afraid to “ruffle a few feathers” frequently doing so on behalf of her constituents. Jean understood that she was their voice and would fight for the best outcome for those communities. Being driven and focused made working for Jean a straightforward matter; there was very little ambiguity involved and this helped her gain real support for the work that she undertook and the results that she achieved. Having painted a picture that Jean was formidable ( and she was ) Jean also utilised a smile that was disarming and she could use her charm offensive as and when required. Jean achieved some formidable results not only for her ward but for the Borough of Oldham as a whole and what she didn’t know wasn’t worth knowing; she had such vast experience. Jean will undoubtedly be missed, not only by her peers but by those like myself who were fortunate enough to work both with and for her. My condolences also go to her immediate and wider family at this sad time.

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    1. Wendy foley Avatar
      Wendy foley

      On behalf of my mum helen Procter I am very sad to hear the news of the passing of a good friend x

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  6. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Many condolences to family, relatives and friends.

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  7. Kaiser Rehman Avatar
    Kaiser Rehman

    Such a sad loss for the Borough. An extremely talented individual with great vision, an Oldhamer through and through.

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  8. Ginny Alexander Avatar
    Ginny Alexander

    Rest In Peace Jean
    Sending deepest condolences to John and Family

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  9. Sarah Avatar
    Sarah

    R.I.P to our Oldham queen Jean x she will b sadly missed and sincere condolences to her husband and family she used to always talk about them a lot she was most appreciated by a lot of people x always thought of u wil never b forgotten x

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  10. JO ASHLEY Avatar
    JO ASHLEY

    deepest condolences to Jeans Family, Have spoken to Jean a few times over recent years when having issues with anti social behaviour, she always had time to come back to you and was happy to give her mobile number to discuss any concerns. Jean will be a great loss to the borough. RIP x

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  11. Jeremy Sutcliffe Avatar
    Jeremy Sutcliffe

    Certainly a shock. Jean was a friend, a good colleague and a good councillor: competent and caring.

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  12. Claire Nangle Avatar
    Claire Nangle

    My condolences to Jean’s family. She was a dedicated Councillor with integrity and passion for Oldham. She paved the way for other women and will be much missed.

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  13. Jim Greenwood Avatar
    Jim Greenwood

    RIP Jean.
    I served on the council with Jean she was a good colleague who always had a smile to share, she will be sadly missed.
    Our thoughts are with her husband and family at this sad time
    Jim and Lynn

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  14. rollsroycechauffeurs Avatar
    rollsroycechauffeurs

    Deeply saddened to hear about the death off Jean. What a great leader and councillor she was for oldham borough council.

    All prayers with her and her family.

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  15. Jackie Wilson Avatar
    Jackie Wilson

    I am.very sorry to hear the sad news about Jean. She was a formidable, funny and kind leader. She loved Oldham and fought for what she believed in.

    It was a pleasure to know her and have the opportunity to work with her. God bless.

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  16. Phil Woolas Avatar
    Phil Woolas

    My condolences and sympathy to Jean’s family at this terrible, terrible loss. Jean was everything that is good about public service aswell as being a great advocate for Oldham. I will miss her wise words and fun company. RIP.

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  17. Ian Manners Avatar
    Ian Manners

    Very sorry to hear about the loss of Jean Stretton. When I first stood for election in Oldham Jean kindly offered to help me with advice on how to campaign. She made the offer without me asking her as a great gesture of support to a new candidate. A hard working and caring Councillor Jean will be much missed. My sympathies to her family at this sad time.

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  18. Philip Gaul Avatar
    Philip Gaul

    Jean was a real champion for the people of Hollinwood and will be greatly missed.
    My sympathies to her family at this time

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  19. Craig Dean Avatar
    Craig Dean

    I worked with Cllr Stretton since 2010 in local school governance, and am devastated to hear the news of her passing. I had many a conversation with her, the last one recently as she was passionately advocating for one of her constituents (as usual!) She was a true champion of the people, a change maker, a woman of real empathy, and someone who will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with her husband John and her family.

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  20. Councillor Ros Birch Avatar
    Councillor Ros Birch

    My condolences to Jean’s family and friends. I was only her colleague for a short time, but during this time she was very welcoming and provided a wealth of support and advice.

    Her knowledge and expertise will be missed by all in the Labour Group.

    Rest in Peace, Jean

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  21. Marie Dillon Avatar
    Marie Dillon

    We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Cllr Stretton. On behalf of students and staff at Oasis Academies we would like to thank her for her dedication, care and support for our schools.

    With sincere condolences to her family and friends at this sad time

    Marie Dillon – Principal Oasis Academy Oldham

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  22. samantha Cox Avatar
    samantha Cox

    A lovely person who truly cared about Oldham and the residents and was supportive of Oldham staff, she will be missed by all.
    My condolences to her family

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  23. Elaine McLean Avatar
    Elaine McLean

    I was very sad to hear that Jean had died. I worked with her for several years and she was always committed to doing what she thought was the right thing to do – for both the residents in her ward and the whole of Oldham. I know how proud she was of her family and I know how much she will be missed by them. My deepest condolences to her family.

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  24. Gail Richards Avatar
    Gail Richards

    So so sorry to hear this sad news, my thoughts are with Jean’s family, friends and colleagues.

    I had the privilege of working with Jean over many years – she was always very supportive, highly professional and completely straight-talking … with Oldham always at the heart. Rest peacefully Jean.

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  25. David Barter Avatar
    David Barter

    My condolences to Jean’s family. She was a hugely respected figure in the borough, a model of a labour person, a community figure and councillor. A true inspiration. Thank you Jean for all you did.

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  26. Janet Hargreaves Avatar
    Janet Hargreaves

    My thoughts are with Jean’s family. So sorry to hear the sad news of Jean’s sudden death.
    RIP Jean.

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  27. Abiola Labisi Avatar
    Abiola Labisi

    Rest in perfect peace, Councillor Jean Stretton.

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  28. Debra martin Avatar
    Debra martin

    Sending my wishes to Jeans husband and family, at such a sad time. Jean will be such a loss to the community and Oldham. She was a school councillor for our school, and then academy and was a beacon of light who always fought for the best possible outcome for our families. She was a people person, honest and true – one of the good guys who would fight for the most needy and stood up for fairness and equal opportunities for all! I will miss your friendly way and welcoming smile. Rest in peace Cllr Jean Stretton.
    Debbie M

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  29. Holly Harrison Avatar
    Holly Harrison

    My sincerest condolences to the family & friends of Jean Stretton.

    Jean was a stalwart, in the area of Hollinwood, and will be deeply missed by her constituents.

    May she Rest In Eternal Peace.

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  30. Breda Barrett Avatar
    Breda Barrett

    My thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time. May you rest in peace and God bless you

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  31. David Heyes Avatar
    David Heyes

    The news of Jean’s passing came as a devastating shock.

    Jean was a dear friend and colleague to Judith and I for many years. We will always remember her kind nature, her generosity of spirit and her great sense of fun. In her role as a dedicated leader of her local community she was held in the highest regard by all who knew her.

    I will be forever grateful for the brilliant work she did as my senior parliamentary researcher and caseworker. I knew that I could always count on her unwavering support, advice and wise counsel.

    Jean was a good woman – one of the best – and she will be sorely missed by so many people

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  32. Mark Roberts Avatar
    Mark Roberts

    Our condolences to Jean’s family at this very sad time.

    Jean was a hugely respected member of our Governing Board. She always represented school and the Hollinwood Community with passion, honesty and integrity.

    Thank you for your unwavering dedication and support. You will be sorely missed.

    A true inspiration to the pupils you served. Rest in peace Jean.

    Limehurst Primary School.

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