My aunt Pat Jeffery, who has died aged 92, was creative throughout her life: knitting, crocheting, embroidering, dressmaking, painting and, with her husband, Adrian, creating interesting gardens.
She was born Patricia Elisabeth Tavernor in Bezawada (now Vijayawada), south-east India, the elder of George and Lillian's two daughters. George was the district traffic superintendent of the Madras and Southern Mahratta railway. He was killed in an accident in 1928 while trying to rescue a train full of people cut off by flood water. Lillian and the girls relocated to Liverpool for a time to be near family and friends; Pat went to school there and then moved to London and later Eastbourne.
She enjoyed needlework and after leaving school took up a dressmaking apprenticeship at Bobby & Co, a shop in Eastbourne. During the second world war Pat drove a mobile canteen around Eastbourne, serving food and tea to troops. Her memories included coming under attack from a German fighter plane on Beachy Head – thankfully the only casualty that day was a tray of custard tarts. While working in her van she met Adrian, a bombardier and interpreter for PoWs. They married in January 1942. They had three sons and after the war the family moved to Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where Pat went to art school.
She was devoted to her family and made a comprehensive family tree dating back to 1822. She visited relatives in Australia and had a natural affinity with children, not just her own; she could relate to them. As her boys were growing up, she ran a children's badminton club. Pat had a wonderful gift of being able to make everyone feel special and comfortable. Children would visit and give her pictures they had done for her.
Pat ran the Kent County badminton club, as a volunteer, and supported the Welcome club in Southborough each week, helping with activities and serving tea. People were important to her. Everywhere Pat went she made friends, and when she and Adrian moved to Northiam, East Sussex, 20 years ago, they settled into village life. In January 2002 they celebrated their diamond wedding. Pat's warmth and cheerful nature endured till her final days.
Adrian died in 2002. Pat is survived by her sons, Tim, Nick and Stephen, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.