"A neighbour, a friend, and a guiding light": Tributes after death of Doncaster mayor

Edlington Town Council has announced the passing of Councillor Jan Devanney, the current serving mayor of Edlington.

Town clerk Cal Lacey wrote: “It is with the heaviest of hearts that we inform the people of Edlington of the passing of our Mayor, Councillor Jan Devanney, a lifelong resident and a devoted servant of our town.

“Jan gave her life to the service of others — to her country, to her community, and to every individual who sought her help.

"In her earlier years she served proudly in the Womens Army Corps as a driver, where she was entrusted with the safety of delegates working with the United Nations and the European Union as security in Europe became founded, a responsibility she carried with the same quiet professionalism and courage that later defined her public life.

“Throughout her years in Edlington she became a vocal cornerstone of our voluntary sector: a trustee of Edlington Helping Hands Community Centre, a dedicated worker with the national charity Rethink, and a committed supporter of Community Profile, ECHO, ECO and Childwatch.

"Through these roles Jan helped hundreds of residents with benefits advice, guidance, and practical support, always offering compassion, dignity, and a listening ear.

"She was returned to office by the community in the most recent elections, a reflection of the immense trust and respect she earned from all who knew her and her becoming the proud Mayor of Edlington that she was.

“Jan’s leadership as Mayor embodied the heart and soul of Edlington.

"She stood as a unifying presence, representing our town with pride, warmth, and humility, and she believed deeply in the power of people working collaboratively as one community.

"She had a wonderful gift for storytelling, sharing memories of her years of service with humour and honesty, and those stories will live on in us as we remember her commitment and dedication.

"Jan often spoke of her hope for the future, reminding us that the Edlington we all wish to see lies within the hands of younger generations, especially those who you elected to the council.

"It was her wish that we continue to nurture and inspire them, and that vision will now become a goal we all strive to fulfil in her name.

“The loss to our community will be profound and immeasurable.

"Jan was more than a councillor — she was a neighbour, a friend, and a guiding light whose kindness touched every corner of our town.

"She leaves her daughters Helen and Becky, and her loving family and partner who supported her in her many roles and who continue to be held in the thoughts and prayers of the whole community.

"Jan passed away peacefully with her daughters and family around her, surrounded by the love she had given so freely throughout her life and joins Shelley and Beth who she kept in her heart.

“To honour her remarkable service, the Town Council will fly the flag at half-mast at the Town Hall and civic buildings, and we will open a Book of Condolence so that residents, community groups, and friends may leave their messages of tribute, thanks, and remembrance.

"Details of opening times will be shared across Council channels in the coming days.

“In this time of sorrow we stand together as one Edlington family supporting Jan's loved ones, united in grief but also in gratitude for a life so generously lived.

"Jan Devanney showed us the true meaning of public service — that leadership is found in kindness, that community is built through compassion, and that the future is brightest when we walk forward together.

"Her legacy will remain a guiding beacon for our town, inspiring us to care for one another, to believe in our young people, and to continue the work she began with such devotion and love.”

Former Don Valley Conservative MP Nick Fletcher shared: “Very sad news. Jan was a true servant of her community and a kind, dedicated woman who gave so much to others. My thoughts and prayers are with her daughters, family, and friends.”