TOUCHING tributes have poured in from fellow councillors after their adored colleague and mother-of-two Jeanette Halliday died.

Mrs Halliday, who was on Abingdon's town council for more than 20 years all together and was the chair of Planning, Highways and Consultations Committee on the current council, died on April 17 after being ill since Christmas.

Serving as Mayor of Abingdon from 1989 until 1999, and leader of the council over the years, she was described by many colleagues as 'dedicated and hardworking', 'independently minded and full of humour' and 'irreplaceable'.

Mayor Charlie Birks said: “To have carried out her duties with such care and dedication for so long without shying away is testimony to her love for Abingdon and its citizens.

“In the what seems to be such a short time I have known Jeanette her capabilities and technical competence have been an inspiration.

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“Her strong leadership and guiding hand chairing committees whilst remaining kind and generous, and her willingness to listen to all points of view will be sorely missed by all.

“Jeanette leaves a legacy both in the town and the way the council works that will remain for many years."

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Many Abingdon residents will remember Mrs Halliday as a driving instructor back in the 1980-90s.

More recently she ran a holistic therapy clinic in the town centre.

She was also very active in the local community and a keen voluntary worker – she served as clerk to the St Edmund of Abingdon Memorial Trust, a governor at Carswell, Thameside and Abingdon schools, and was also a former member of Christ’s Hospital, Abingdon Day Care Centre and Abingdon & District Chamber of Commerce.

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Leader of the council Samantha Bowring also paid tribute to the beloved councillor: “Jeanette was a warm, down to earth person who had time for everyone.

“She was very supportive of new and younger councillors and encouraged people to get involved with helping the town whatever their age or background.”

She leaves behind her husband Jim, who is an environmental scientist, son Mark, daughter-in-law Takako, daughter Carole and three grandchildren.

Due to the ongoing pandemic her funeral will be private but there are hopes for a later service to celebrate her life.