Tributes to caring Corby Kingswood good neighbour and super mum Jean

A Corby woman who was at the heart and soul of a community, worked in the estate shops and fostered more than 21 children, has died at the age of 89.

Jean Isted moved to Eastbrook on the newly built Kingswood estate from London in 1967 with her husband Bob and their three children - Jacqui, Alan and Keith.

As well as being a familiar face behind shop counters, she set up the original Kingswood Community Centre and welcomed children and adults into her family home in Eastbrook.

Granddaughter Karen Beeby said: "I’m so very proud of both my grandparents as they did so much for the families and the children of Corby.

"They were such a big part of living on the Kingswood estate. The Corby community has lost the kindest loving lady.

"Jean helped so many people in Corby opening her home to all. She had years of childminding and fostered over 21 children."

The family moved to Corby, Bob changing his job as a butcher for a career in the steelworks. Jean worked in the Salad Bowl greengrocers in Canada Square and the Fine Fare shop in Corporation Street and then the Southbrook branch as the manager.

As well as fostering children from 1980 to 1992, the couple took in foreign exchange students from across the globe keeping in touch with many of those she helped.

Karen said: "Jean was still in touch with children she cared for as they became extended family and like grandchildren to her.

"We are still in touch with one from the USA - she calls us her English family.

"The pair of them had such big hearts. They both came from big families. She was one of eight and Bob was one of 12.

"In those days they got no financial support. They did it for the love of it."

Jean's eldest daughter Jacqui added: "She was very caring, she made everybody welcome and she took people in.

"She set up the community centre and was the treasurer. They would have parties for the over 60s and would always be raising money with raffles.

"They were the heart of the community."

Jean Isted passed away last month at the age of 89 and left her Reigate Walk home for the last time today waved off by family and friends.

Former Mayor of Corby Cllr Ann Brown, a friend for 48 years paying her respects said: "When I had my youngest daughter, Jean used to childmind for me. She gave me a little job at the Southbrook Fine Fare.

"She had a love of children and she was very motherly. Her house was always full of children."

Jean is survived by her children Jacqui, Alan and Keith; grandchildren Tracey, Karen, Ashley, Christopher, Vicki, Kerri and Liam; and great grandchildren Timothy, Chloe, Archie, Harry, Daisy, Rober, Dylan, Brooke, Jack and Travis. Bob died in 2014.

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