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Last update: Friday August 11, 2006 10:55
It is with great sadness that the ECF has learned of the death on Wednesday, 26th July of Jessie Gilbert, aged 19.
Jessie was one of England’s leading women players and had most recently represented her country in the national women’s team on board 2 in the chess Olympiads in Turin, 20th May - 5th June. Although her team debut had only been in August last year for the European Team Championships in Gothenburg, she was already a much valued and respected member of the team. She also represented England in the European Individual Women’s Championships in Turkey in April, 2006, where her fine performance earned her the final of three norms for the Women’s International Master title. Still a junior internationally, she has represented England every year at World or European Girls’ Championships since she was 12, in 2001 winning the bronze medal in the European Girls’ Under 14 Championship. She first came to prominence when she won the Women’s World Amateur Championship aged just 12, the youngest player ever to do so.
Her friendly personality endeared her to all ages in the chess community and she will be much missed. The ECF has delayed this announcement at the request of her family to whom it sends its deepest sympathies and condolences.
All enquiries are being dealt with by the family's solicitor.
Please send all messages of condolences, cards etc. to the ECF Office and we will pass them on to the family.
Jessie’s funeral will be held on Thursday 17th August in Surrey.
All of her friends, and all those who wish to pay their respects, are more than welcome to attend to celebrate her life.
Jessie was a remarkable person who achieved so much and touched the lives of people of all ages from all around the world. It is impossible for her family to ensure that this invitation reaches everyone who may wish to attend her funeral, so please feel free to pass this message on.
If you would like more details about Jessie’s funeral please contact Alex Jones Funeral Directors on telephone number 01342 832534 as soon as possible to have your name added to the funeral attendance list. For security reasons, we MUST have the names of everyone who will be attending as there will be a list at the door.
Once your name has been added to the attendance list, full details of Jessie's funeral and the afternoon will then be sent direct to yourself via email (preferred) or by post.
Anyone who is unable to attend the funeral, but who wishes to pay their respects to Jessie, may ring Alex Jones Funeral Directors on 01342 832534, and say that they are unable to attend the funeral, to be sent the information regarding donations to a cause close to Jessie's heart.
NB A website has been created to attempt to serve as a tribute to Jessie and a place for people to contribute their memories and discuss Jessie: www.jessiegilbert.com