Jane Young’s funeral featured a samba band, honoring her vibrant spirit and love for music, as family and friends gathered to pay tribute at Tynemouth Crematorium.
Tynemouth: A former Chronicle journalist was laid to rest with samba drums. Jane Young, 68, played with the Tyneside samba band DrumDin. Band members joined mourners at her funeral at Tynemouth Crematorium, playing as they accompanied the hearse.
Before retiring, Jane was the production editor at the Chronicle. Colleagues, family, and friends gathered to honor her life. Jane’s daughter, Julia Hopper, shared that her mother loved her job, but family and music were her true passions.
Julia mentioned that Jane surprised everyone by joining a samba band in her 60s. She was always ready for a challenge. A friend described Jane as vivacious and full of fun, which perfectly captured her spirit.
Jane was born in North Shields and lived in Tynemouth. She was the daughter of Joan and John Sampson, a talented musician known in the North East. Julia said music was in Jane’s blood, and she would have loved the samba drums at her funeral.
Jane played a key role in producing the Chronicle. Former newsdesk executive Paul Jones praised her professionalism and good humor. He noted that Jane helped ease tensions in the busy newsroom and was often consulted for her sound judgment.
With DrumDin, Jane performed at major events like the Great North Run and Whitley Bay Carnival. The band’s director, Nik Alevroyiannis, said Jane made a huge impact and helped the band during tough times. They chose a special piece of music to honor her memory.
Jane passed away in Freeman Hospital, surrounded by family. She battled lung cancer and developed an infection. Julia described her mother as brave and active, continuing to live life despite her illness.
Chronicle editorial director Helen Dalby and Journal editor Graeme Whitfield shared that Jane was a calming presence in the newsroom. They expressed that her friends and colleagues would miss her greatly.
The family thanked the staff at Freeman Hospital, the Rev Emma Duff for the service, and everyone who supported them. Jane requested specific songs for her service and wished for her ashes to be scattered in the River Tyne.
Jane is survived by her brother Paul, son-in-law Dave, grandchildren Josh and Molly, and stepfamily. She loved animals, and donations were invited to Cats Protection Tyneside, where she volunteered.
