THE funeral of Jean Schofield, mother of Garry and a former Hunslet Parkside stalwart, will take place on Friday (January 31).
The service is at St Mary’s Church, Town Street, Middleton, Leeds LS10 3TJ at 1.30pm, and afterwards, guests are invited to Middleton Conservative Club (LS10 4AX).
Jean (above, right) died aged 82, and former Great Britain international and League Express columnist Garry said: “My dad Geoff died in January 2017 and the pair of them were without a doubt the two biggest influences on my career.
“Without their love, advice, help and support, I wouldn’t have achieved anything in the game.”
Garry came through the ranks at Parkside, who in 2022 merged with Hunslet Warriors to become Hunslet ARLFC.
“She wasn’t only a fantastic mum to myself and my brothers Brian and Colin, but also a great worker for Parkside,” he added.
“She was there through thick and thin for more than 30 years, and with Colin and Una Cooper, the three of them were known at the club as the ‘engine room’.
“She loved all the kids who played there, regardless of their ability, and she treated them all the same.
“In addition many people from visiting teams knew my mum, who always had a welcome for people.
“Her wish was that anyone attending her funeral should wear colourful clothing, and it would be lovely to see people celebrating her life and sharing some great memories.”
