A Tribute from Fr Chris Jackson
For Deanna, Judaism was the heart of her life, the moral code by which she lived. She spoke of the Jewish people as called to be light to the nations and from that sprang her commitment to interreligious dialogue.
Judaism wants people of other faiths to understand its beliefs and practices although it is not, in any sense, a proselytising religion.
Active in the Council of Christians and Jews, Deanna arranged bible studies and other events that stimulated people of both faiths. She made many visits to our schools and if Catholic children now have a better understanding of our roots in Judaism it is largely thanks to Deanna.
Adult groups wanting to visit the synagogue were ably guided by her and her tour would always start in the kitchen where she would explain the kosher dietary rules: something as essential as food, she would point out, grounds the faith of the Jewish people in the everyday.
She and her family were always hospitable and a Gentile or two would often be invited to share Passover in their home. ‘She was not one to cross’ remarked one of her sons and indeed, she could be forthright when she felt that the occasion demanded it.
When Rabbi Aaron Lipsey initiated a series of visits to the Holy Land called Pathways from Abraham, Deanna was among the pilgrims.
Her earthly pilgrimage now over, may she enjoy peace in the next world and may her memory be for a blessing.
A Tribute from The Interreligious Relations team.
Our work with Deanna has grown over many years on Interfaith and Holocaust Memorial Events.
We got to know Deanna very well when planning the Diocesan Holocaust Memorial Evenings. The early planning meetings took place at Our Lady Queen of Peace when Fr Chris Jackson was the Parish Priest.
Over the many years of the Diocesan Holocaust Memorial Evenings, Deanna has been a part of this – offering advice, as a guest speaker or reading a poem.
Deanna’s work in our Diocesan schools was never ending and the schools visiting the Synagogue. We have seen many times, her many visits to St Wilfrid’s Primary School Blyth. The Holocaust work done with Yr 9 pupils at St Michael’s Academy Billingham, “ My Mother’s Story.” And other schools thought the North East.
The Study Tours of Auschwitz- Birkernau, Voices of Faith, Prayer for Peace and Newcastle Council of Faith (Deanna was a Director on Newcastle Council of Faith) Also a leading member of CCJ. The Council of Christian and Jews.
The Interfaith work done by Deanna was never ending and to be part of this was a great honour to work with you over so many years. You are going to be missed.
Deanna, may you now Rest in Peace.
