WARM tributes have been paid to a “determined and generous” mother who led the way in helping children struggling with dyslexia in Essex.

Jean Baker, who died last month aged 94, “fought authority to get something done” after she realised her son, Glyn, was dyslexic.

“She had a son who she had taught to read well above his chronological age, who couldn’t write or spell,” said Glyn.

“There was something wrong. How could a child with an IQ of 130 not learn to write?

“She short-circuited all the bureaucracy and established pathways to get me to the Language Therapy Unit at St Bart’s Hospital.

“It was here I was treated by Beve Hornsby.”

Psychologist, teacher and speech therapist Beve Hornsby, one of the great pioneers of the dyslexia movement, literally wrote the book on the condition.

Her work, Overcoming Dyslexia, has remained in circulation since the 1990s due to its plain and accessible guidance for families.

But in Essex, it was Jean Baker who paved the way.

Despite dealing with many medical issues, including battling Multiple Sclerosis since 1967, Jean was “stubborn and resourceful” in her drive to help others.

Born in May 1928, Jean was bright at school, winning a scholarship to Colchester Girls High School.

After leaving school, she was employed in the Justices’ Clerks office.

She married RAF Aircrew Signaller Leonard Baker in June 1945 and was later employed as the secretary of West Mersea School.

Following the birth of her first son, Clyde, she became a housewife for many years, but her continuing interest in children with dyslexia led her to found the Essex Dyslexia Association.

This led to her return to academic life.

She won a state scholarship to Essex University and achieving a degree in Sociology and Linguistics in 1976.

Glyn said: “Once at university, mother continued to be bit of a pioneer.

“She pleaded with the authorities that due to her own mild dyslexia she should have her lectures taped so she could take notes in her own time.

“Today every lecture at the university is recorded.

“Three years ago mum’s tapes – safely stored in her loft for decades – were accepted back by the university for archiving.

“After graduation she trained at Bart’s as a language therapist.”

She studied language therapy under the pioneer Beve Hornsby, before using her skills to teach in the language therapy unit at Holmwood House Preparatory School.

At the school she featured prominently in a BBC Horizon programme in 1985, titled ‘The Mystery of the Left Hand’.

The televised investigation probed the theories of famous neurologist Norman Geschwind of the Universities of Harvard and MIT, linking dyslexia and left-handedness with autoimmune diseases and allergies.

An immensely busy and productive woman, Jean was a life member and a vice president of the Friends of Colchester Museums and Art Galleries.

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Throughout the 1960s and 70s she helped raise funds for the National Children’s Home.

Glyn said: “In 1979 my brother married a Pilipino nurse, Julie, originally from Batangas.

“Mum then became honorary ‘mum’ and later ‘grandma’ to Colchester’s Pilipino community.

“After retirement she became carer to my father who became increasingly blind.

“Their granddaughter Victoria was born in 1984.

“They bought a holiday caravan on Mersea Island so they could have their granddaughter for holidays. Mother enjoyed visiting the caravan right up to the last few weeks of her life.”

Jean’s husband and Glyn’s father Leonard died in 2001.

Jean continued her industrious life, becoming active in the Multiple Sclerosis Society until ill-health rendered her increasingly housebound.

“In her final years he developed vascular dementia,” said Glyn.

“Thankfully her body finally gave up before we were robbed of her character by this most cruel of diseases.”

Jean’s family say she faced her medical conditions with “fortitude and determination”.

She is survived by her two sons Clyde and Glyn, granddaughter Victoria and great granddaughter Sofia.

A memorial collection will be in aide of Operation Smile and the Friends of Colchester Museums.

Glyn summed up his mum with eight well-chosen words: “She was determined, stubborn, generous, intelligent, infuriating, loving, kind and resourceful.”