Respected Bournemouth hotelier, Jennie Deavin, loses five-year battle with cancer

Bournemouth hotelier Jennie Deavin has died at the age of 68 following a five-year battle with cancer. She started her hotel career in 1967 working with her parents at the Bonnington Hotel before purchasing it from them in 1972.

From there she went on to own the West Cliff Hall Hotel, now the Bourne Hall Hotel, and the Pavilion Hotel, now the Ramada Encore, which her family still owns.

She bought the Marsham Court Hotel in Russell-Cotes Road in 1987, where she had been for the last 30 years.

Two years ago Jennie was made an honorary lifetime member of the Bournemouth Hotel and Accommodation Association (BAHA) and was thrilled to win the Large Hotel of the Year award along with her daughter, Rosie Wallace, at the 2016 Bournemouth Tourism Awards.

Rosie said: “Mum fought a long battle with cancer, but not once did she lose her passion for the hotel business or her unshakeable sense of humour. Everyone who knew her loved her.

“She died surrounded by her family, content in the knowledge that she had not only created her own thriving business, but that she had also played a part in shaping the success of the local hospitality industry.”

Hundreds of people attended Jennie’s funeral on 24 April at St Peter’s Church in Bournemouth where her life was celebrated with song and music and many shared memories of this remarkable lady. Bluebells were placed on her coffin at the end of the service.

Donations were made to MacMillan Caring Locally, which helped Jennie and her family immensely.