Hundreds turned up in fancy dress today to mourn the passing of 'The Queen of Crook'. At lunchtime, groups were emerging all over Crook in a variety of costumes to pay their respects to Jane Graham. She was a "unique" character in the community, with friends all around the town and she would always visit new businesses opening to say hello.
At her funeral at Our Lady Immaculate and St Cuthbert Church in Crook, hundreds attended in testament to her community spirit. (Image: Northern Echo) Her sister Joanne gave a eulogy and described how Jane had enjoyed a colourful 55-year life. She said: "My little sister Jane Graham born the 1st April 1969 died 29th July 2024.
"The life she led in her short 55 years was colourful to say the least. (Image: Northern Echo) "Jane started dancing on chairs at my gran's house at the age of three. "She was taught by nuns in the building behind us here and it was at this school where her inquisitive behavioural skills gained her a raft of friends, many of whom are here today.
"We lived in a council estate called South End Villas and it was here that Jane's school activities with her friends from the estate began...
she would say I’m just out playing. (Image: Northern Echo) "This would include knocking on doors and running away ..
. she always loved a bit of mischief. "Jane had a way of including people, she was not shy in asking 1000 questions to get to know every detail.
"She went to St John’s in Bishop Auckland and made more friends and made m.