A SUPPORTER of many good causes has died peacefully at Norlington Nursing Home in Bournemouth at the age of 85.

Jutta France, inset below was born on February 13, 1927 in Hohen-limburg, Germany, spending most of her early life in Iserlohn. Her family were not supporters of the Nazi regime and she vividly remembered hearing the Dam Buster raid, seeing the Ruhr valley flooded and the devastation caused.

A bright scholar, Jutta obtained a job as a translator for the British occupying troops and met her future husband John, a non-commissioned REME officer. Despite a difficult courtship, John eventually won Jutta’s parents over and the couple wed in 1948.

John was repatriated and in 1951 Jutta took up a job with the public health department in Bedford. In 1960 she was appointed welfare officer for the handicapped in Bedford.

Before moving to Poole in 1970 John and Jutta worked in Gateshead and Peterborough. She became welfare officer for the handicapped in Poole and senior social worker for the handicapped.

When Fourways day centre became a reality in 1980 it was a dream come true for Jutta to work there. Always immaculately dressed, Jutta was known for her ready wit and her wonderful ability to listen.

In 1980 she was invited to the launch of the Dolphin Boat for the Disabled before being offered a place on the Board of Directors; a charity she supported into her retirement. She organised Dorset Sports Days for the Disabled, arranged shopping events, theatre outings for disadvantaged children and lobbied councillors in Poole for better facilities for the disabled.

Jutta helped train NHS students, housing wardens, GP panels and gave talks to community groups. Tragically she lost her best friend and soul mate when her beloved husband was killed in a traffic accident in 1985.

But Jutta’s strength of character shone through and she continued to work until 1987, campaigning tirelessly for Arthritis Care, the Dorset Association for the Disabled, Disabled Sports, Poole Stroke Club and the Dolphin Boat.

A member of Poole Soroptimists and Soroptimists International, she arranged exchange visits and, although she had no children of her own, Jutta took a great interest in her friends’ off-spring.

Bournemouth Echo:

Her close friend Brenda Baker said: “Jutta was an extremely strong character and coped remarkably well with her own physical disability. Through her work, charity commitments and hobbies, she formed lasting friendships.

“Jutta was a stylish lady with a particular fondness for afternoon teas. She was a true friend and confidante.”

Jutta’s funeral service was held at Bournemouth Crematorium on January 17.