TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved Renfrewshire woman who died just days after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Jean Beck had been joined by loved ones at Lancefield Care Home, in Johnstone, on Thursday as she marked the impressive milestone.

Sadly, she died just four days later, leaving family and friends to look back with fondness on a life well lived.

Jean’s son David, who was at her bedside on Monday as she passed away peacefully, told The Gazette: “My mother was determined to reach 100 – and she made it by four days.

“On Thursday, she sat on the veranda and the family gathered outside. There were about 16 members of the family who came out to see her at various times during the afternoon.

“It was quite an exciting day for her. She got a telegram from the Queen, which was very nice, a big cake from Tesco and all the family brought cards and presents.

“She really enjoyed it.”

Jean was born and bred in Lochwinnoch, where she attended the village’s primary school and junior secondary before leaving at the age of 14 to work in a factory as a French polisher.

She first met her husband Lawrence at a dance and they were married in 1943.

During the Second World War, Jean was involved in making Merlin engines for fighter planes at the Rolls-Royce factory in Hillington, while Lawrence flew Hurricane and P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft equipped with the same kit.

Jean was a keen golfer throughout her life and at one time was ladies captain at Lochwinnoch Golf Club.

She also had a passion for current affairs and economics.

Jean was a proud mum to sons Alastair, David and Stephen.

She made a number of trips to Botswana, in southern Africa, to visit Stephen and his family after they settled there.

Jean was also a loving grandmother to Amy, Alastair, David, Fiona and Kate and great-gran to seven-year-old twins Oliver and Lily.

She had lived at Lancefield Care Home since 2018 and was popular with staff and fellow residents.

David added: “A special mention has to go to Lancefield. I never thought my mother would ever go to a nursing home but all the staff there are excellent.”

Read all the latest from Renfrewshire and beyond

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