Tributes paid after death of long-serving Wirral Justice of the Peace Eileen Harsant

Dec 19 2012 by Lorna Hughes, Heswall News

TRIBUTES were paid after the death of a much-loved Justice of the Peace from Heswall.

Eileen Harsant, who died on December 6 aged 79, was appointed as a JP for Wirral in 1976.

She carried out the role for 27 years, later becoming chairman of the Courts Committee.

Mrs Harsant also played an active role in a number of Wirral community organisations, including the Inner Wheel club and the Citizens Advice Bureau.

The mother-of-three was a member of the WRVS for many years and was awarded a long service medal for her dedication.

Born in London in 1933, she was educated at Harrow Country Girls School and Bedford College, London University.

Mrs Harsant moved north in 1962 with her husband John and spent the rest of her life in Wirral.

After moving to the borough, she joined the Ladies Circle in 1963 and also served as chairman for Area 22 Ladies Circe and treasurer for the International Ladies Circle.

Mr Harsant said: “I got a partnership in a firm as an actuary and we made Wirral our home.

“She did so much in the community and I have received about 60 or 70 notes from condolence already since she died. They all speak very highly of her.

“Being married to her, obviously I think she was wonderful but to have all those all other people saying so as well is quite something.”

The couple have three children – Susan, David and Rosemary – and four grandchildren.

Mr Harsant said: “Apart from bringing up a family she was chairman of Abbeyfield House in Heswall.

“She also had a big involvement with the WRVS and was particularly involved in Meals On Wheels.”

Mrs Harsant joined the Inner Wheel in 1974 and went on to serve as chairman, treasurer, president and district chairman for Inner Wheel clubs locally.

Her funeral took place at St Peter’s Church in Heswall on Tuesday.