Jane Rushton

We are very sorry to confirm the death of Jane Rushton on 29 January 2025.

Jane joined the School of Design in September 2009 as a Student Support Officer. With her warm and friendly personality, and her practical approach to problems, Jane soon became a valued and influential member of the school community.

Colleagues will remember Jane for her empathy, her dignity and her wonderful sense of humour. Jane supported numerous students through trauma, bereavement and illness. Many later stated that they “wouldn’t have made it without Jane” and several stayed in touch with her long after graduation. Jane was also a wonderful source of support for staff at all levels. She supported new staff by welcoming them into the AHC community and explaining “how things worked”: if anyone had a problem, Jane was the first to offer a cup of tea and a sympathetic ear. When Jane herself was faced with illness, she bore this with the greatest dignity.

For years, Jane lit up the workplace with her humour and zest for life. She encouraged us to start celebrating Christmas in July and she turned the routine task of giving directions to the Speakman Lecture Theatre into a dance (“Back through the door and turn to your left…”). Jane also convinced us that Cliff Richard was the patron saint of student support workers. She will be very sadly missed.

Jane is survived by her husband, Professor Stephen Westland, and her son, Tyler. At Jane’s request, no funeral will be held.

The flag on the Parkinson Building will be lowered at half-mast on 17 February in Jane’s memory.