Former Mayoress dies at 56 (From Yeovil Express)

Former Mayoress dies at 56

6:00am Thursday 16th March 2006 in Yeovil By Lyndsey Mayhew

TRIBUTES have been paid to former Yeovil Mayoress Janice Freke who died suddenly last week, she was 56.

Mrs Freke, who supported her husband Cllr Julian Freke during his two years (2002-04) as Mayor, died in Yeovil District Hospital on Thursday after a short viral infection.

Mrs Freke was well known in the community and worked as a cleaner at Preston School.

Paying tribute to his wife of 32 years, Yeovil West ward Cllr Freke said: "She was the hub of our family and words cannot say how much she will be missed."

He said although Janice was a very private person she was always on hand with advice.

He said: "Our children's friends used to think of her as a second mum and people would always turn to her."

"She was a very genuine lady and a great friend of Yeovil."

Chard Mayor John Malcolm

Mrs Freke was born in south London and moved to Yeovil as a teenager.

She was a keen bell ringer at St James' Church and ten years ago won the battle against breast cancer.

Chard Mayor John Malcolm said: "She was a dedicated, hard working person who was happy to support her husband but liked to stay in the background.

"She was a very genuine lady and a great friend of Yeovil."