My mum was so proud of being a Scouser in all her 99 years

Joan's extraordinary life remembered

- By JESS MOLYNEUX

A LIVERPOOL grandmother and primary school teacher who was “always proud to be a Scouser” has died at the age of 99.

Born on July 5, 1925, Joan Hughes, nee Williams, was born in Blantyre Road, Wavertree, to parents Annie and Ted.

One of five children and twin to Muriel, Joan’s dad died when she was just 12 and despite many obstacles, her mum worked hard to support the family and see the children get as many opportunities as possible. After getting a scholarship and finishing school, Joan join the WRNS (Women’s Royal Naval Service) during the Second World War, before embarking on a career in teaching.

She married her husband John and together they had three children and two grandsons - and Joan never stopped living life to the full. Paying tribute, Joan’s daughter, Gill Hughes, 69, said her mum “lived a full life” and always loved to see others succeed.

Gill, who grew up in Hunts Cross, told the ECHO: “The point at which my mum’s dad died, the family had no income and her mum asked for local authority help.

“It was then they did an assessment which was very strict, and there were talks of the two youngest going to the Bluecoat Orphanage. My nan was adamant that wasn't going to happen, so she took in these lodgers that she'd known through her husband.