Janet Clappen (4 Oct 1933 - 20 Nov 2019)

In memory of Janet, a great tennis partner and friend.

An eco-warrior before the term was invented. Janet cared deeply about injustice, cruelty and destruction of habitats. She quietly, but determinedly strove to make a difference and will be remembered by all who knew her for her efforts to leave the world a better place. Her indomitable spirit will surely live on through those who admired her gutsy approach to life and through the family who loved her.

In memory of my dear sister, Janet Clappen

I have many happy memories of Janet from the 1960’s right up to this year. As a close friend of Mary I was lucky to be invited to many birthday parties and lots of teas after school. Janet had a wicked sense of humour and did not suffer fools easily. She always said it as it was. I have very happy memories of being included in the Clappen family which I will never forget. Right up to the end Janet was Janet. God bless

Janet joined Employee Relations Depaartment of Esso Petroleum in Piccadilly in the mid 1955s. I was working in Public Relations Dept at this time and she joined us working for the Assistant Manager ( whom she said was a bit daunting) .
There were 3 of us in our room overlooking Bird Cage Walk and St. James Park and we would pop outside to wave to the Queen when she was returning from royal functions. Janet, Elisabeth and I (Sheilah) had such a happy time working hard but discussing everything under the sun, including our boy friends. And then suddenly Janet started talking about “m’doctor” and we realised it was serious. She was the first to marry and I have a photo of Elisabeth and I at Janet’s wedding with Angus.
In the department were also Pheobe and Cynthia and for the next 30 years we all used to meet up for lunch at Christmas until it was just Janet and I who were left!

Janet was a lovely neighbour and friend who we miss greatly. Love Ashley, Emma, Freya and Finley xx

I was so sorry to hear that Janet had died. Being very good friends with Mary, I have many memories of Janet as we were growing up in Southend in the 1960's and 70's. She was a formidable character who was always ready for a challenge and to fight for a just cause. This included taking on Toni Bell, the ice-cream van, who used to park outside Westcliff High School at home time and the local bus company if ever the #17 bus was ever late/cancelled! She also had a very caring and kind hearted side - helping me to finish sewing my apron for school as I could never master a sewing machine, looking after my sister when she had her wisdom teeth removed and visiting my mum in Somerset who always looked forward to their catch ups. My thoughts and love are with you all.

We were so sorry to hear that Janet had died and will be praying for you all during the funeral. I always enjoyed seeing Janet and hearing about her holiday adventures and tennis, plus her work at the CAB.