Jude was born to parents Reg and Joan Norie at Preston Hospital, North Shields on the 29thof January 1950. Growing up on a street called Ivanhoe, with her older siblings Michael and Patricia. She was a keen highland dancer, horse rider, trampolinist and barefoot runner, a brownie and a guide.
Her parents were prominent members of the Whitley Bay social circle being active in the Freemasons, Builders Federation, Soroptemists and the Golf Club. Her fathers electrical contracting business was well known on Front Street, Monkseaton.
She loved to help her adopted uncle, Jimmy Toft in his sweet shop, serving customers rhubarb and custard boiled sweets and cinder toffee. His wife Edna and himself played a big part in her life, allowing her and later all of us, to holiday in their country cottage in Ridsdale.
As a young school leaver she learnt short hand and worked as a secretary and hotel receptionist in Newcastle. One Friday night a girl friend persuaded her to attend a dance at Rockcliff Rugby Club whereupon she met the fastest and presumably slickest scrum half that ever lived. He told her he loved the colour of her dress, only to find out later he was colour blind (it was pink)
Fast forward a year and Peter was down on one knee with a ring he had borrowed £40 from his Dad to buy.
They were married on the 23rd June 1972 at St Peters Church, Front Street Monkseaton surrounded by great friends that they still have today.
One of Mum’s favorite stories has always been, having found out she was expecting; she went to tell one of those friends saying “I have something to tell you” and the friend replied “I have something to tell you” Both friends were expecting their first baby girls and shared their pregnancies right up until the day of the births 22ndJuly 1976 where they shouted at each other through the flimsy maternity ward walls.
Angela was born and Jude juggled her amateur dramatics with being a new mum. She won Actress of the Year for her lead role in Barefoot in the Park with the Tynemouth Priory Theatre and played Cinderella with Whitley Bay Amateur Dramatics Society in the annual Pantomine.
Two years later Bob came along and managing with two young children. Jude persuaded her Dad to allow her a corner of his Electrical Showroom and the “Coffee Corner” was born. She made and sold flap jacks and cakes, served with tea and coffee to the Monkseaton locals. Work, acting, mothering all scheduled around the Rockcliff and Northern rugby fixtures.
A devoted mum, playing taxi driver to and from karate, gymnastics, swimming , scouts, sailing and horseriding to name just a few. An animal lover, she helped raise many a guinea pig and goldfish. Treasured a disabled budgie called Billy. Trained rescue dogs Tara, Gemma and Suzie and chased a few escaped ponies over the years.
A huge supporter of Peter, being his biggest fan, she made many a sacrifice for his career and always turned it into adventures. First Moving from Tyneside to Chelmsford, to Capel St Mary, then Henley and lastly Westerfield via New York and back. With lots of visitors, she became quite an expert tour guide in the Big Apple.
She loved a house move, a project, a doer upper and to talk about a home’s potential with Dad joking that every time she remodeled a kitchen we moved house again. (Funny to think the kitchen was not her favourite place)
A part of our homes had to include a guest room for grandparents, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and friends alike: A constant stream of visitors who we all loved.
Jude was amazing at making friends, all these house moves and we were never lonely. Introducing all of us into clubs, classes and groups. She played badminton and coached Trampolining. She was a member of the WI, The Ladies’ Circle then Tangent, Art Club and the Fynn Valley Golf Club.
She has been a great party starter, an organizer of games and quizzes, the first on the dance floor and even the first to dance on the tables. She loved to dress up and write poems performing them to the encouragement of friends. Jude loved to travel and with Peter often holidayed with friends, delighted at being in a warm climate with the sun on her face and a gin and tonic in her hand.
Her nieces and nephews remember her as the fun aunty. Her Grandchildren Ollie, Grace and Harper adore her. She knitted them bootees and bonnets awaiting their arrival. Spent hours holding them, reading stories, playing games, teaching them letters and numbers. Travelling to see them and cherishing their every milestone. She loved her daughter in law and son in law; Andrea and Ross She was happiest when everyone was together, loving a family Christmas was her best.
She has been a loyal friend to many, quick to spot someone who is sad, she sent cards and left flowers. When someone was alone she remembered to include them and when someone was down she always had time for coffee and to listen. She has been described as a great friend with a great smile by many in the cards and messages received.
Jude spent her final weeks in her own home, surrounded by her family and love. She will be missed by many. Forever in our hearts.
