A GREAT gran who loved music and became an author in her late 80s has died.

Jean Croft, 92, from Alderley Edge, worked as a secretary at Knutsford Comprehensive School for many years.

Son Andy paid tribute, saying: "Mum was active and concerned about people all her long life. She kept her friends.

“She had a calm, graceful wisdom about her that people enjoyed.

“She had a talent for loyalty, friendship and affection. Her chapel, friends and family were the three pillars that built her life.

"The Methodist hymn book was an important part of her life."

As a soprano with perfect pitch, Jean starred in Cranford Musical Society's productions of HMS Pinafore, Veronique and Princess Ida.

Andy added: "She enjoyed an idyllic pre war childhood, defined by farm, family, friends and chapel, enjoying the warm life of a huge extended family of farming aunts, uncles and cousins."

Jean married her late husband Geoff, organist at Knutsford Methodist Chapel, in 1955 and bought their first home together in Handforth.

The couple had four children Andy, Debbie, Phil and Liz.

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Jean worked for a chartered accountant in Altrincham the early years of their married life.

In 1966 the family moved to a bigger house in Wilmslow.

Faith played a big part in their life as she taught in Sunday School at Alderley Edge Methodist Chapel, where Geoff played the organ and she was a member of the congregation for 55 years.

Jean Croft

Jean Croft when she was younger

The couple than ran a successful bed and breakfast business from their home on Trafford Road.

When she turned 80, Jean joined a local book club, learned to play bridge and managed to complete a newspaper crossword every day.

"In her late 80s, she wrote two books of memoirs as well as a cook book containing her favourite recipes for cakes and biscuits," said Andy.

Being close to her family meant everything and she kept in touch with them as they spread far and wide.

"She took great pleasure in the arrival of her great grandchildren," said Andy. "First in Wales, and then in London, Zurich, Liverpool and Leeds.

"A few weeks before her death, Jean was still able to enjoy the news of her forthcoming arrival of her eighth great grandchild next spring."

Jean died at her home in Alderley Edge on September 14 with family at her side.

Her funeral is being held at Alderley Edge Methodist Church today, Wednesday.

She is survived by Andy and Liz, six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Phil and Debbie have died.