TRIBUTES have been paid to a beloved Wivenhoe resident who was awarded an OBE for her work as a civil servant.

Jan Richardson died peacefully with her family by her side after a short illness at the age of 72.

Jan first arrived in north Essex from Durham in 1973, studying economics as an undergraduate at the University of Essex.

She soon met future husband Bob and the couple settled in Wivenhoe.

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Jan started out on her career in the civil service shortly afterwards, and threw herself into the Wivenhoe community.

The couple both served on Wivenhoe Town Council, Jan joining in 1995 and serving until 2003 with a stint as Wivenhoe mayor in 1997.

Committed Labour Party member Jan also immersed herself other aspects of the Wivenhoe community, including the Wivenhoe Allotment Association, the Horse and Groom Christmas Club and Wivenhoe Cricket Club.

Her love for the town also saw her serve as vice-chairwoman of Millfields Primary School governors, as a trustee and vice-chairwoman of Wivenhoe Housing Trust and as part of the Wivenhoe Helping Hands group.

After rising through the ranks to become one of the most senior female civil servants in the UK, Jan left her role in 2004

She receive her OBE in 1999 for her services to the Queen.

After leaving the civil service, she worked for St Helena Hospice in various roles and supported the Royal Association for Deaf people on a weekly basis.

Jan was a much-loved stepmother to Bob’s daughters Sarah and Sally and grandmother to Alexander, Harriet and Archie.

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After Bob’s death in 2003, she started a relationship with former friend Jonathan Williams.

The couple spent many happy years together with their beloved rescue greyhounds until Jonathan’s death in 2011.

Jan had a passion for travel which she greatly enjoying doing with both Bob and Jonathan.

Her family said: “Jan was a wonderful friend, stalwart, quietly supportive, accepting and uncomplicated.

“She has left a huge hole in Wivenhoe. She was a beloved stepmother and an incredible grandparent.

“Her family and the wider Wivenhoe community can only be thankful to have had such a wonderful person touch their lives.

“Jan will be deeply missed yet always remembered with love, respect and adoration.”