Charity worker Janet Hosier dies (From Watford Observer)

Charity worker Janet Hosier dies

8:15am Thursday 21st February 2008

• Print
• Email
• Share

A champion of the homeless, who co-founded the New Hope Trust, has died following a battle with cancer.

Janet Hosier was instrumental in reaching out to Watford's homeless population through the work of the charity, which she formed with her friend Sheila Meaning in 1990.

And for the past 18 years, she has devoted her time and energy to providing food, clothing and shelter to the town's disadvantaged people - her "mission of compassion".

Twenty months ago she was diagnosed with cancer of the liver but continued her work with the Trust and even completed her autobiography, Entertaining Angels, last year.

However, she passed away on Thursday, February 14. She was 64.

Her son, Craig Borlase, said: "I am so proud of her - so proud of the fact that while I miss her desperately as a son, there is an army of us out there whose lives she touched with equal love, grace, warmth and generosity. Grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, wife, aunt, friend, colleague, quick-smiling stranger and easy confidant - our loss takes form out of a thousand different memories."

Described as a "pioneer" for her work among the homeless, the New Hope Trust began when Janet and Sheila started serving hot food from two coaches that stood in Whippendell Road, where the Haven Day Centre can be found today.

Janet was also involved in fundraising and public relations, and she spoke to churches, companies and individuals about the New Hope Trust's work.

Through her efforts, New Hope House opened in 1993 and their charity shop a year later. As a founding trustee, Janet also oversaw the development of nine other projects that continue to provide invaluable services for Watford's homeless population.

As the charity grew, she continued to work as a volunteer at the Day Centre and The Sanctuary night shelter, where she was always willing to give up her time to those who needed it.

And even when her illness confined her to a wheelchair, she would be "walked" down from the Peace Hospice through the town to talk with people she would meet in the high street and to offer them encouragement.

Janet also became an author, when she published her autobiography, Entertaining Angels, in 2007. The book documented her remarkable life, from her reliance on God to help her through relationship breakdowns, to coping as a single parent and remarriage, and the story of the New Hope Trust.

Sheila described Janet's death as "like losing my right arm".

She said: "Janet was the easiest person to be with. She was a very caring lady, a lady who went out of her way. Her thoughts were always with someone else who needed help or support, no matter what it took. She was loved by everybody.

"I feel like I've lost my right arm. A big part of me has gone. It was a marriage made in heaven."

Tim Robson, chairman of trustees, said Janet was a "great friend" over the past 18 years.

He said: "She was someone whose overriding concern was always the good of others, and especially of those who had fallen on hard times. She was at ease with everybody, came across with warm and humble genuineness, and worked with gracious and prayerful persistence in all she did.

"We will miss her enormously, but will not forget her as her work continues on so many fronts, with the amazing dedicated team of staff and volunteers of the Trust she set up.

"There are just so many people grateful for the practical effect of Janet's love on their lives, and it's great to know this will continue on into the future through Watford New Hope Trust."

Janet is survived by her husband Ron, son Craig, brother John, her sister Ann and four grandchildren.

A Thanksgiving service will take place at St Andrew's Church in Chorleywood, on Monday, February 25, starting at 2pm.

To leave your tribute to Janiet Hosier, click the link below.

• Print
• Email
• Share