Tributes have been paid to a former mayoress and councillor who was ‘kind, caring and always put other people before herself’.
Janet Eaton, of Hoghton Avenue, Bacup, passed away at Royal Blackburn Teaching Hospital on Christmas Day, aged 74. The beloved mother-of-three dedicated her time to supporting the community as Conservative councillor for Irwell ward for four years, between 2020 and 2024.
She also served as mayoress between 2002 and 2003 alongside her husband and then mayor, James. Her daughter, Julie, said: “Mum was kind, caring and always put other people before herself.
“She always supported dad with his charity work. She was proud of her children and grandchildren. She doted on them.”
Janet was born to parents Alice and Bert in Bacup and was sister to Eileen and the late Gerald and Betty. She was a friendly and familiar face to residents in Bacup through her various jobs.
Janet Eaton with her beloved dog Jasmine
The former Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar School student enjoyed working at retirement home Olive House, in New Line, Bacup, where she made many friends over the ten years she was there. Janet volunteered as a special constable in the 1980s for some years, fulfilling her dream of working with the police.
The adored grandmother-of-four was based at Bacup police station and patrolled the streets of the town. James, who is Labour councillor for Bacup and is known as Jimmy, worked for Royal Mail for 30 years and Janet worked as a post lady for around 15 years.
The couple were delighted when they were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace during their time as mayor and mayoress and had the pleasure of meeting Queen Elizabeth II during her visit to Preston. Jimmy and Janet left the Conservative group and became independents in 2021.
Janet Eaton with her husband James on their wedding day
Janet beamed with pride whenever she saw her granddaughter Charlie perform and was her number one fan. Charlie, who attended Dansworks, put on a show every year at the pensioners’ party Jimmy organised for elderly people across Rossendale. Jimmy spotted Janet at The Flowers Pub in Bacup one evening while she was with a friend.
On his way to Stacksteads he thought about her and decided to run all the way back to ask her out on a date. The couple got married in 1973 at the church at the bottom of South Street, Bacup.
They celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with friends and family last year at The Rose ‘N’ Bowl in Stacksteads. Janet and Jimmy always had spaniel dogs and welcomed friendly canines Timmy, Ben, Morris and Jasmine into their family.
Janet and James Eaton on their 50th wedding anniversary
The couple walked the dogs around a local park every day and saw friends along their route. Jimmy played darts around the pubs in Rossendale, while Janet took up dominoes and enjoyed reading and doing crosswords.
The pair also enjoyed holidays to Benidorm and Tenerife every year and were frequent visitors of The Donkey in Rochdale. They also went on a trip to Chichester where Charlie was working as a performer last summer.
Janet leaves behind her husband Jimmy, children Alison, Julie and John and grandchildren Charlie, Emma, John and Elise, who has just turned one. Janet’s funeral will be held on Wednesday, January 8 at 12.30pm at Trinity Baptist Church, Bacup, and then Bacup Cemetery.
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