The former manager of Garden House Hospice Care in Letchworth has died, leaving behind her husband and two children. 

Jennifer Lupton was born in Bedford in 1947 and moved to Hitchin in 1970 with her husband, Trevor.

After raising their two children, Sarah and Simon, Jenny had jobs as a welfare assistant at St Andrew’s C of E Primary School and secretary at Offley JMI School.

In 1990, she joined Garden House Hospice Care as secretary, but quickly took over the role of administrator and oversaw the official opening.

"There then followed 25 years of successful management, which saw expansion, development and successful fundraising, whilst continually delivering a high standard of quality holistic care and support," Trevor, Sarah and Simon said in a joint statement.

"She worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of hospice care in the local community. 

"Unable to pursue further education when aged 16, Jenny fulfilled that lifetime ambition in 2001 by attending the University of Bedfordshire and attaining a Master of Arts degree in management studies. 

"Under Jenny’s guidance, the hospice quickly established itself as a cornerstone of the community.

"As part of the hospice management team, she ensured it became a benchmark for palliative care, education and employer of like-minded, caring individuals, providing invaluable care and support to patients, and their families, when it was most needed.

"The gratitude and appreciation of those who came into contact with the hospice was most visibly demonstrated at the annual memorial service of remembrance and tree-lighting ceremony, which was always widely attended."

During her tenure, the Hospice at Home service was launched in 2002, and in 2006 a complex extension to the accommodation was successfully completed, providing day services, education and improved patient facilities.

In 2011, Garden House Hospice Care was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, which was presented by the Lord Lieutenant of Hertfordshire.

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"Among Jenny’s most notable achievements was ensuring the hospice became the focus for a vast array of local organisations and charity events keen to financially support such an important provision within the area," her family said.

"Jenny could regularly be seen in the Comet receiving donations from individuals who had raised money, often as a thank you for the care given to a relative, as well as attending high profile local events to accept the donations from local businesses and charities. 

"In recognition of her outstanding contribution to the community, Jenny received the rare and esteemed honour of the Paul Harris Fellowship from the rotary club.

"At the time of her retirement in 2015, she left a legacy of efficient, compassionate and holistic care, supported by a robust financial foundation."

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Jenny had secondary cancer and died at home on November 10, surrounded by Trevor, Sarah and Simon.