Helston district nurse Jane Trethowan funeral details and tributes

Kathryn Jane Trethowan – known to everyone as Jane – worked for the NHS for more than 51 years, spending almost 40 years of them in the community as a district nurse.

During that time she cared for thousands of patients, always with a smile, and left an impression on all she met.

This has been demonstrated through the countless tributes that have been left since her passing on December 8, with her family saying they have been inundated with messages, cards and letters.

They have thanked everyone who has taken the time to write.

Her son Steve, speaking on behalf of the family, added: “We always knew Mum was very special - we perhaps just never realised to how many people.

“She will be missed tremendously, however we are so incredibly proud of her; the caring and devoted nurse she was.

“One patient commented that Mum was ‘kindness itself,’ which is just a lovely thing to say and exactly how we will remember her.”

Jane was a beloved mother and grandmother (Image: Trethowan family)

Jane was born on her grandparents’ farm, Trevitho Farm at Mullion, on December 1, 1948.

She then grew up as a child at Trenoon Farm, Ruan Minor, her father’s farm.

Jane went to school in Mullion and later Helston Green School, before training as a nurse with the Royal Cornwall Hospital Group in Truro.

She began her career at Helston's former Meneage Hospital, but primarily worked as a district nurse for the South Kerrier District Team, working in Mullion, Helston and covering the Lizard Peninsula.

Jane married husband Denis in April 1971 and they had two children – a son Steve, born in 1974 and daughter Kathryn, born four years later in 1978.

The family spent many years living in Porthleven, where the children attended school.

Jane could often be found supporting Denis with volunteering at Helston Rugby Club, and in particular making meals, transporting and washing the playing kit for Helston Colts.

Denis was tragically killed in February 1990 and Jane continued to raise their two children as a widow. Both Steven and Kathryn say they remember how “amazingly independent and resilient” she was through those difficult times, supported by her near family and very special friendship groups.

Jane was mother-in-law to Tara and helped with the decoration of her business, The Bridal Studio in Coinagehall Street.

She was also a proud grandmother of six, with Tara and Steve having three children – 27-year-old Megan, 22-year-old Amelia, and 18-year-old Louis, while Kathryn and husband Chris Perry also have three, 18-year-old Ted, 13-year-old Will and ten-year-old Winnie.

Shortly before retiring as a district nurse, Jane returned to live at “Adjewednack”, her dad’s bungalow on Trenoon Farm, her family home.

Jane pictured with family and colleagues at her retirement (Image: Newsquest)

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In her retirement Jane volunteered as a driver in the Mullion community, taking patients to their appointments for Volunteer Cornwall. She also supported the Mullion Sunshine Café, did regular collections for the RNLI, and delivered the Ruan Minor Gazette and flowers for Helston florists Sweet Pea up to the point her health would no longer allow it.

A funeral service to remember Jane will take place this Thursday, December 22, at Porthleven Methodist Church, at 11.30am.

This will be followed by a private cremation service for family only, at Treswithian Crematorium.

There will be family flowers only, but donations in memory of Jane can be left for South Kerrier Community Nurses, Mullion Sunshine Cafe and Helston RFC’s Mini / Youth Section. Donations can be made through a retiring collection at the funeral service, sent payable to the funeral director RE Tonkin & Son in Mullion, or via an online donation link found under funeral notices on their website.