‘Jean’s Room’ unveiled at BUPA’s Argyles Nursing Home in Newbury

More than 50 friends and family gathered to celebrate the life of a woman who inspired the creation of a new pallative care room at a Newbury nursing home last week.

‘Jean’s Room’ was blessed and officially opened by the family of Jean Stubbs, who died of cancer at the Argyles Nursing Home last November.

Dave Stubbs, Jean’s husband, spoke movingly of his “beautiful, inspiring soulmate” at the short ceremony on Friday.

He described those who work at the home as “Argyle’s Angels” and added: “They saw the need for a beautiful, calm, pallative care space for those families in the position we found ourselves in.

“I am honoured and delighted to see everyone here.

“There will be tears because we had the huge priviledge of knowing and loving Jean.”

Just days into a Mediterranean cruise to celebrate their Golden Wedding anniversary, Mrs Stubbs was taken to hospital in Cadiz and diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Sadly further tests showed it had spread and was terminal. Just seven weeks later she died, on November 11, 2022, in the Pound Street nursing home.

The family said that when they arrived it “quickly became apparent that there was no appropriate accommodation where patients needing ‘end of life’ care could be treated whilst being able to have their family and loved ones close by”.

Mr Stubbs praised Jane Edwards, the nursing home manager, and her staff, for helping them to adapt a room and accommodate Mrs Stubbs and the whole family during her final days.

“But it was Jean’s calm courage, dignity and tranquillity that so inspired those around her of the need to create a purpose designed ‘family room’ – and to the everlasting joy and gratitude of her family, to dedicate it in Jean’s name,” added Mr Stubbs. “My family, and especially our daughter Mandi, have been instrumental in advising and contributing towards the new room’s facilities and décor.

“This is regarded as a major step in the provision of ‘end of life’ care for the people of West Berkshire and is to be greatly applauded.”

During the tearful and moving ceremony, the room – which has smiling photographs of Mrs Stubbs on the walls – was officially opened by the family’s GP, Dr Alice Devall, and dedicated in Jean’s name by Pastor Caroline Whitehead.

After the short ceremony, Mr Stubbs, daughter Mandi and son Mark, released a white dove in Mrs Stubb’s memory.

The family and their friends then enjoyed afternoon tea together and shared their memories of Mrs Stubbs.