Baroness Tessa Jowell's family tell how she 'died in their arms and will live forever in their souls'

Fiona Simpson13 May 2018

Baroness Tessa Jowell died in the arms of her husband and two children, her daughter-in-law said in moving tribute.

Baroness Jowell’s daughter-in-law high profile food blogger Ella Woodward, known as Deliciously Ella, posted a moving statement on her Instagram page.

Tessa Jowell: Ella Woodward posted a moving tribute to her mother-in-law on Instagram
DeliciouslyElla/Instagram

Ms Woodward married Baroness Jowell's son Matthew Mills in April 2016.

She wrote that the former politician, who recently moved peers to tears with a moving speech about cancer, died “lying in Matt, his sister Jess, and their Dad’s arms, as they told her that she would live forever in the centre of their souls”.

Ms Woodward added: “I’ve never seen love like I have since becoming part of this family. Tessa was the warmest and kindest soul, she welcomed me so generously into their family, and no matter what she has achieved in her life - and she achieved an extraordinary amount - I know her family are the thing that made her most proud.

The politician pictured with her family in September

“They were the complete core of her life and I’m honoured to be part of it.

“Thank you for giving me Matt, Tessa, and for teaching us all so much about love, kindness, optimism and courage.

Bond: Jowell with her daughter-in-law Ella, left, granddaughter Otti and daughter Jess

“The bravery you showed this past year was like nothing I have ever seen and I will be inspired by it every day of my life. Matt carries every bit of your goodness, drive, compassion and love, and I’ll look after him forever.”

Former Prime Minister led tributes to Baroness Jowell saying: “There was no one like Tessa and no one better. I will miss her more than I can say."

Tessa Jowell addressing the TUC women's conference on International Women's Day at the Winter Gardens in Eastbourne in 2006
PA

Gordon Brown said that the baroness would be remembered for her "courage, strength and compassion for others".

"No-one will ever forget the courage, strength and compassion for others that defined her life, shown in her incredible bravery in facing cancer and her desire to ensure that even while she suggered herself, she helped others who faced similar illnesses."

Tessa Jowell speaking about her illness in an interview with the BBC (BBC/PA )
BBC/PA

Lord Sebastian Coe said that without Baroness Jowell “there would have been no London 2012 Olympics”.

Praising her work to bring the Games to the capital, he said: “Tessa was not just a close friend, she was a life enhancer.

Baroness Tessa Jowell proudly holding her Dame Commander insignia in 2013
PA

"Her contribution to the Olympic and Paralympic Games is easily defined - without Tessa there would have been no London 2012, and without Tessa they would not have been the success they were."

Four-time Olympic gold medal-winning rower Matthew Pinsent said: "RIP Tessa Jowell - absolutely central to the effort to win and stage the Olympics and Paralympics in 2012. Her determination and sense of humour surrounding them was infectious."

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