It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our President Jean Willson earlier this month. Centre 404 was immensely fortunate to have been guided by the extraordinary leadership and dedication of Jean Willson OBE, a remarkable figure in the field of learning disabilities advocacy and the long-serving Chair and President of the organisation. Jean’s incredible journey with Centre 404 spanned over five decades, during which she profoundly transformed the lives of countless individuals with learning disabilities and their families.

Jean first came to Centre 404 in the 1970s as a young parent carer seeking support for her daughter, Victoria. Her initial connection to the charity, borne out of her own challenges and experiences, marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to advocacy, fundraising and community building. Over the years, Jean became a cornerstone of Centre 404, serving in various roles as a volunteer, advocate, and campaigner, before ascending to the role of Chair and later President.

Jean’s legacy is deeply intertwined with the ethos of Centre 404, which she affectionately described as a “lifeline and a heart Centre”. Under her leadership, the organisation flourished into a beacon of hope and support for families navigating the profound challenges of caring for loved ones with learning disabilities. Jean’s steadfast focus on ensuring service users and family carers remained central to every decision was a hallmark of her leadership, and her influence ensured their voices continue to be strongly represented at every level of the charity’s governance to this day. These recognitions stand as testaments to her unwavering dedication and the transformative impact of her work.

Beyond her public achievements, Jean’s compassion and warmth touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She brought not only expert knowledge but also the heart and soul of a family carer to her work, inspiring all those around her. Her mentorship, guidance, and indomitable spirit will be deeply missed by the learning disability community and all at Centre 404.

Centre 404 will honour and celebrate Jean’s enduring legacy through ongoing projects. Her dedicated fundraising efforts for a large play structure in memory of her daughter at our community building on Camden Road continue to bring joy to countless children and families, embodying her spirit of care and inclusivity. This legacy will also live on through the Garden and Seeds Project, fostering growth, connection, and accessibility for our community. Moreover, we remain steadfast in upholding Jean’s values of providing a voice for individuals with learning disabilities and their family carers, ensuring that her vision and commitment to advocacy endure for generations to come.

Jean Willson’s passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, but her extraordinary life, achievements, and the compassion she brought to all she did will forever inspire us. Centre 404 is privileged to have had her leadership, her role as an ambassador and President continues in spirit, guiding the charity’s mission to support and empower.

Our deepest gratitude and heartfelt condolences go to Jean’s family and loved ones. She leaves behind a legacy of hope, transformation, and enduring love for the Centre 404 community and beyond.

Tracy Seymour

Interim CEO

December 2024

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Mourners are welcome at Jean’s funeral, which will be held at 2pm St Lukes Church, Hillmarton Road, West Holloway N7 9JE on Friday 10th January 2025. Please wear  bright colours.

Jean’s family Tara and Norman have requested no flowers but rather donations to the things that Jean held so dear, Centre 404 being one of them. Jean’s full reflection of what Centre 404 meant to her can be found on our website https://centre404.org.uk/blog/centre-404-our-hearts-centre

Link to donate: https://centre404.enthuse.com/cf/in-memory-of-our-president-jean-willson