Shrewsbury husband's tribute after death of 'incredible' campaigning wife

Jo Pattison, who was a member of Shrewsbury Christian Aid committee, the Shropshire Fairtrade Coalition and also heavily involved in the work of St Giles' Church, died suddenly while on a family weekend in Bristol on October 26.

Her death was announced in churches across Shrewsbury.

Mrs Pattison, who was 65, was an active campaigner against climate change and to help the oppressed. Along with her husband, Ken, Mrs Pattison organised a number of fundraising and awareness events, including a massive relay around Shrewsbury where participants could travel by foot, bike or public transport; and organising talks.

Speaking from their Mereside home, Mr Pattison said: "Jo was an incredible woman. She did so much with her life. She was director of the Fairtrade shop on St John's Hill. She was Christian Aid through and through.

"She was involved in the church, worked with Churches Together and even went into the local school to give talks to the children on various topics as part of her work as a lay reader. She also wrote articles for the Shrewsbury Chronicle.

"She fought for the oppressed around the world and was always smiling and genuinely interested in people and was inspirational and very loving and caring. She cared so much.

"She carried out her principles in life. She was into recycling before many people knew what it meant, she knew about climate change and always wanted to do her bit.

"All the letters and cards I have received have had one thing in common – they have all said she was a wonderful lady. The reaction from many is that they can't believe she is dead. Only the day before she was in church and at a Mother's Union coffee morning.

"Jo and I worked together in many ways and we had a great partnership."

The couple had three children – Andrew, Helen and Michael – and she was grandmother to Freddie, aged two.

Mr Pattison said: "Someone wrote to me a few days ago and said 'what a life'. And you think, well, yes, she did have an amazing, full life. She was wonderful."

Mrs Pattison's funeral is at St Giles' Church at 11.45am on November 16. "That was our church for the past 31 years," said Mr Pattison. "It is fitting that the funeral takes place there."

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