Sheilagh Mason: Believed in a better future for young people

Sheilagh Mason, 54, was on holiday in Ireland with husband Kevin when she had a stroke.

Mrs Mason started working for the Jersey Youth Service as a youth worker at Le Squez in 1992 when she came to the island with her family.

Her boss, David Greenwood, said she worked hard to give the Youth Service a new sense of purpose and direction.

Three years after coming to the island, Mrs Mason became the training officer, responsible for the professional development of staff working in the island's youth clubs.

She will be greatly missed and long remembered for her hard work, her sincerity David Greenwood

She was appointed Principal Youth Officer in 2001.

Mr Greenwood, of the Education Department , said: "There is a note on the wall in Sheilagh's office at the Education Sport and Culture Department.

"It says: 'Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful and committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever does'.

"Sheilagh believed in a better future and she believed that people, working together could achieve outstanding things.

"Most of all she believed that young people should have a voice and should be encouraged to take responsibility and participate in every aspect of Island life."

'Unfailing belief'

He said that such a philosophy carried risks.

"Things don't always go the way you hope or intend and there can be set-backs. But Sheilagh knew that in the wider scheme of things, the development of a caring community, where no-one is made to feel excluded brings rewards that far outweigh the occasional disappointment."

He added: "She will be greatly missed and long remembered for her hard work, her sincerity and her unfailing belief in young people and humanity in general."

Mrs Mason was also an Elder of the island's United Reformed Church.