Lady Matheson of Matheson



04 December 2008 08:36

For more than three decades, Jean Matheson, who has died after a long illness aged 80, devoted herself to the family tradition of carrying out voluntary work quietly and without fuss.

Lady Matheson, who has lived in south Norfolk since her husband left the army in 1964, soon became involved in voluntary work in Norwich. She became a Samaritan but typically never spoke about her efforts to help others although a few close friends knew of her involve-ment.

It was hardly surprising that the youngest daughter of the 11th Lord Middleton, who had inherited the title and estates of a long-established Yorkshire family, would continue in the tradition of public service. Her father, who succeeded to the title in 1924, and saw action in both wars, was Lord Lieutenant of East Yorkshire for 30 years.

Jean Elizabeth Mary Willoughby's childhood was spent around Malton in Yorkshire, where she became an enthusiastic horsewoman and often rode to hounds with her father or her younger brother on the Wolds.

In 1952, she married Fergus Matheson, who was then serving in the Coldstream Guards. When they came to Chedgrave and later moved to Hedenham, she volunteered to work for the Samaritans as well as looking after a young family. Often, her duties took away from her home but she would return before break-fast, concealing the reason for her temporary absence from her children. She was also a member of the Norwich Prison team.

She was also a magistrate for about 25 years but resigned from the Bench, with much regret, as her poor health took an increasing toll.

When her husband, Sir Fergus, succeeded his brother in 1993 as the seventh baronet and the chief of the Clan Matheson, she helped him with his official duties which often included travel - at home and abroad.

As her health declined, she never complained but was always grateful to her carers.

She leaves a widower, and a son, Alexander, who was a Lt Col in the Coldstream Guards, two daughters and eight grandchildren.

A service of thanksgiving will be held at St Peter Mancroft, Norwich, on Thursday, January 22 (2.30pm).

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