Jeanette MORGAN Obituary

I had been dreading finding this notice online about my former roommate Jeanette since we parted company in Middlemore Hospital on 20 January. I was sad to lose her to another hospital, but as it turned out, I was surprisingly released to home around three hours later myself that day - (only to return to Middlemore 12 days later until February 24th).

Jeanette was a lovely lady and it was lovely to see how much her children cared for her by bringing some daily sunshine into her life either by visiting in person or telephoning when this was not possible. I know that this energised Jeanette - along with visits from her friends - and she loved her family dearly and would light up when she saw/heard from them.

The first night I met Jeanette, we would talk through the separating curtain, and she apologised for her one-off big coughing fit. I told her to please cough as much as she needed to in the night without apology and not to worry about me at all. Sadly, the coughing got worse as the nights progressed. It was a couple of days later that I learnt of the ailment that had brought Jeanette to hospital. Having nursed both of my parents through cancer, and recently lost my mother the year before, I was only too familiar with this insidious condition and deeply saddened.

At night, sometimes Jeanette would get into breathing difficulty returning to the bed from the bathroom and several times, I would awaken and would ring my bell to summon the nurse for her. Often times I would follow up by physically stepping outside our room to flag down a passing nurse in the dimly lit corridor to quickly aid Jeanette in her discomfort and shortness of breath. The next day Jeanette would put on a bright, brave, cheery face for visitors even though the nights were increasingly becoming a struggle for her. She was a real trooper and I miss her. My husband and I were pleased to have known her for the short time that we did. Our heartfelt thoughts are with her caring family during this painful time. Rest in Peace Jeanette.

Louise Collins
Middlemore Roommate

Sending love and condolences to the family of Jeanette, a lovely friend since 1964. Her bubbly personality and kind heart will be sadly missed by all of her family and friends. R.I.P. Jeanette