THE life of former New Norfolk Councillor Jacky Whitehead will be celebrated at her funeral tomorrow (Saturday afternoon). Mrs Whitehead died at home last week, aged in her 85th year.
An English-born businesswoman, she relocated to New Norfolk from New South Wales with her late husband Michael and both quickly became involved in the life of the community. Mr Whitehead died in 2010.
Mrs Whitehead was elected to the then New Norfolk Council on a recount when another councillor resigned and she served until the council was dissolved in 1996.
She was a supporter of developing links between the Derwent Valley and the town of Daian in Japan, and was involved in early discussions that led to the Derwent Valley Concert Band’s Japanese tour. Michael and Jacky also hosted many Japanese visitors at their home.
The couple were also strong supporters of the World Family of Norfolk and Norwich – an association of places named Norfolk or Norwich. They attended a World Gathering on Norfolk Island and were active in organising the 2008 World Gathering in New Norfolk for the town’s bicentenary. Mrs Whitehead also attended a Norfolk-Norwich World Gathering in Canada.
She was a stalwart of the Uniting Church at New Norfolk and was greatly saddened when that church closed during the Covid-19 lockdowns. A final service was held in November 2020 prior to the church being sold.
In 2009, Mrs Whitehead was named the Derwent Valley Council’s Australia Day Citizen of the Year and in 2022 she was among the first inductees to the Honour Roll of Influential Women of the Derwent Valley.
Family and friends are invited to attend Mrs Whitehead’s service at Graham Family Funeral Home, corner of Risdon and Bay Roads, New Town, on Saturday, (5th September 5) at 2pm. A livestream of the service will be available at www.grahamfamilyfunerals.com.au/funerals
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