Jackie Strode  was born in Brixton on 5th November, 1938.  She was the only daughter of Ethel and Joe Blake.

She trained as a Milliner and married John Strode in 1956.  They had three children Russell, Tracey and Kim, plus later a  dearly loved daughter in law Isabelle.  Jackie worked part time in the school whilst raising the family.

She shared a love for Martial arts and  taught children and adult classes right through until she started her chemotherapy.  She achieved  the grade of 5th Dan in Judo and 8th Dan in Jujitsu—one of the highest grades for a woman I the Country!

In 1972 they moved to Essex.  Jackie worked at Runwell Hospital as an Occupational Therapist and then decided to go back to college.  She completed O’levels, A Levels and a teaching qualification whilst bringing up three children and caring for her mother and mother in law.

She then developed a love for pottery and made and taught ceramics before discovering the world of antique doll making in 1983.  She has won numerous International Awards. for both her dolls and their costumes.  Including recognition as a  Diamond doll maker. She became head international judge for the Global Doll society.

She lived for her family and was always at the heart of our extended family group.
 She helped everyone with their individual needs.

She was so kind and caring. She thought of everyone else before herself and it was not possible to leave her house without a gift or extra piece of cake for later.

She was a fabulous cook and home maker and her Apple pie was legendary.
She was always at the side of her husband. They had a deep love and respect for eachother that held them unseparably together for 60 years.

She was an amazing person in every way and I am so so lucky that she was my mother.  We will miss her every day.  She will never be forgotten or replaced.