Obituary for Jenny Jones

Everyone who met Jenny could never speak highly enough of her character, passion and loving nature. Jenny’s kindness, advice, her ability to resolve crises and avert disaster, and her wonderful sense of humour were second to none. 

Jenny dedicated her career to science. She left her mark and is fondly remembered by former colleagues at the Institute of Child Heath, Great Ormond Street Hospital and King’s College London Hospitals among others. Jenny pioneered the development of several hormone assays, including IGF-1 and PYY and provided support to clinical and academic endocrinologists and researchers across the country. Through her expertise and trustworthiness Jenny became a key support for researchers in several hospitals and scientific fields.

Professor Rachel Batterham and Jenny began working together in 2002. Jenny moved to UCL in 2013 as the Laboratory Manager for the Centre for Obesity Research. Jenny was always a great help and source of support and inspiration, for team members old and new. She passionately taught her skills and passed on her love for science, laboratory work and assays. There wasn’t a problem she wouldn’t solve, nothing was ever refused or too difficult, the answer always was ‘yes we can.’ In addition, Jenny was a pillar of support for MD/PhD students and staff members new to science.

Jenny was a great lover of the outdoors, nature and particularly the seaside. She loved animals, especially dogs and her Jack Russells, Jack and then more recently Ariel and Seb, were a major part of her life. Jenny loved children and was adored by children even more. Jenny was a keen swimmer and proficient tennis player. She appreciated good wine and fine food. No problem brought to her was ever unsolvable, neither at work nor outside. Jenny always loved a laugh and a celebration - her positive attitude to life was exemplary. Jenny always maintained the ability to make those around her laugh and feel loved and comfortable.

Jenny in her loving and caring nature supported work done by a number of charities. She was supported by the Marie Curie team at the end of her life. In line with her wishes, we have set up a fundraising page for money to be raised for the Marie Curie trust in her memory, anyone who wishes to support can donate through the following link:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/for-jenny

Those of us who knew Jenny lost a valued colleague and a dear friend, but carry with us the great memories we shared with her and are truly grateful for having known her.