Blackpool singer Jacqui Veazey, once of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, dies aged 89
Tributes to ‘one of the most colourful characters of her generation’
Tributes have been paid to Jacqui Veazey, a former singer and actress with the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company following her death at 89.
Jacqui, who was born in Blackpool where she spent most of her life, was also one of the best-known and most colourful characters of her generation on the local light operatic music scene.
She appeared in countless productions staged by a variety of companies and choirs across the Fylde Coast and the North West, taking on many principal roles.
She won trophies at music festivals before auditioning and gaining a place with the D'Oyly Carte company in 1970 going on to tour the UK, Denmark and the USA.
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Her contralto voice and acting talent took her from the chorus into the more significant role of Inez in The Gondoliers and to understudy Mrs Partlett in The Sorcerer.
She left the company in 1972 to return to Blackpool where she had attended Elmslie Girls School leaving at 14 to work for the chocolatier Clottu who had a shop on Whitegate Drive.
During her teenage years, Jacqui joined the Blackpool and Fylde Light Opera Company and in 1963, also joined Marton Operatic Society.
She did a number of shows as a member of Cleveleys Operatic Society, including playing Nancy in Oliver!
Jacqui sang in the various music festivals in Lancashire, including winning the prestigious Rosebowl at Fleetwood Music Festival.
She worked for many years in Blackpool Council's Electoral Registration Department and also, for a time, owned a dress shop in Blackpool.
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Her lifelong friend Pat Porteus said: "Jacqui will be greatly missed.
“She was a colourful character always beautifully dressed and coiffured - a kind and generous lady who loved to socialise and had a kind word for everyone.
"A great supporter of the monarchy, she was invited to the 70th anniversary of The British Federation of Festivals where a reception was held at St James Palace in the presence of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh 1991. It was the highlight of her life."
Jacqui’s funeral will take place at St Paul's Parish Church, Marton on Wednesday, April 22 at 11.15am prior to committal at Lytham Park Crematorium at 1.15pm.
Donations in her memory to Trinity Hospice c/o funeral director Mark F H Rae of St Annes.