Very sad news today to hear that our Vice President, Jill Lawes (or Jill Morgan as she was acknowledged in the Reading Operatic family) has passed away. Jill directed many of our shows up to 2009 and then went on to form the Mostly G&S group with husband John, also a ROS Vice President and former MD for the society of many years standing.
Jill also directed for Woodley Light Operatic Society and Starmaker among other companies and was a much loved dance teacher with the Linda Butler School of Dance, who are just about to present their bi-annual show at the Wilde this weekend. Rehearsals today were hard as a result of the news but everyone knew Jill would want the show to go on.
We know she would have adored the opportunity to direct Singin’ In The Rain, our next musical, so we’ll need to make that show all the more special again.
Jill, we’ll miss your calm hand, ready smile, generous spirit and unwavering sense of what is right in the theatre. You will continue to occupy a warm place in many hearts, for as long as we have feet to tap.
Our condolences and supportive wishes go to John and the family at this time.
One comment for “Jill Lawes”
Bev Shannon
Dear Jill
Such a talented, artistic and inventive lady who had such an impact on so many lives from children to adult through “operatics” and your own dancing school, too; on top of being a Number 1 wife, mother and grandmother, love of dogs and cats,and supplier of kittens!.. the list goes on. We all have such a lot to thank you for. Many fun memories of adult ballet and tap, as well as rehearsals… always something to look forward to and such wonderful shows at the end of it all. You have been so brave and we all share in your family’s grief. Rest in Peace. With love Bev, Andrew and Francesca and Olivia (one of your former kittens) Shannon and on behalf of Gloria, Bob and Robxx