Lady Jean Wilson passes away

Lady Jean Wilson OBE, a philanthro-pist, social activist, and supporter of the Global Disability Movement, passed away at the Independent Living Centre on January 4.

She was 103, said a press release.

An Oxford graduate, Lady Jean married her vision-impaired friend Sir John Wilson, CBE, DCL, in London in 1940 during the Second World War.

Together, the couple mobilised resources for IMPACT programmes in developing countries, including the flagship Impact Jibon Tari Floating Hospital in Bangladesh. They had two daughters -- Claire E Hicks, MBE, trustee and former CEO of IMPACT Foundation UK, and Jane Wilson, a schoolteacher.

Lady Jean is survived by her two daughters, grandchildren, colleagues from the IMPACT family in the UK, Bangladesh, Nepal, India, Pakistan, and Zanzibar, as well as many well-wishers worldwide.

Bangladesh IMPACT delegations met her at an official banquet during the 10th Conference of the International Federation of IMPACT Organizations, held in Haywards Heath from May 27 to 29, 2025.

She and her late husband visited Dhaka six times between 1960 and 1999 to promote services for the visually impaired.

By profession, Lady Jean served as an international administrator for the Royal Commonwealth Society for the Blind (Sightsavers International) and IMPACT Foundation UK.  

She received MBE and OBE honours in 1970 and the 1980s. On her 100th birthday, she was among the few British citizens to receive a special message from the late Queen Elizabeth.