Jersey Constable Sadie Le-Sueur Rennard has died
Video report by Sophie Dulson
Sadie Le-Sueur Rennard, the Constable of the Jersey Parish of St Saviour, has died in her seventies.
Constable Rennard had served in the role since 2011, playing an integral role in Parish life ever since.
She played an instrumental part in organising the Parish's entries for the annual Battle of Flowers. Outside of her Parish, she remained a popular figure with the island's farming community as a keen cattle farmer herself.
Her performances of Jersey's anthem Beautiful Jersey at the island's Liberation Day celebrations became an event in their own right, with her final rendition coming in 2020.
Outside of politics, Sadie was a keen actor playing the role of the traditional Jersey wife at Hamptonne Country Life Museum.
In paying tribute, the Bailiff Timothy Le Cocq said: "I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news this morning of the unexpected death of Sadie Rennard, Connétable of St Saviour.
"Sadie was a real character, who expressed her thoughts in a forthright way. She was a champion of her parish and of the island and traditional Jersey values in the Assembly and elsewhere. She was a friend to so many and held a special place in islanders’ hearts for her singing of the much-loved essential island song, 'Beautiful Jersey', on many a Liberation Day."
Jersey's Chief Minister, John Le Fondré, added: "I am deeply saddened by the passing of Sadie Rennard.
"She was an iconic figure not just in the States Assembly and her Parish of St Saviour but across our Island"
“Her deep love for her Parishioners and our Island was clear, as was her passion for Jersey’s heritage and its people."
"She was utterly charming and possessed a keen wit which always brought a smile to those around her. My thoughts are with her loved ones and all her many friends at this sad time.”
St Saviour politician Deputy Jess Perchard paid tribute by adding "The Parish has lost its mother. I’ve known Sadie for over 20 years. When I was a child, we performed at the Opera House together as mother and daughter on stage. She was a force of nature then, being firm but incredibly protective of her ‘stage children’, and that very much sets the tone for our relationship in politics. She was a stalwart of Jersey life, always putting her parishioners front and centre of her political thinking."
"She cared deeply about St Saviour, her Jersey heritage and has been an advocate for the vulnerable, particularly more senior citizens, throughout her public service. Always ready to challenge injustice, and to fiercely protect her beloved island, Sadie never held back from making her voice heard. It’s a trait that has been a huge source of strength and inspiration for others and one that I know is appreciated by her colleagues. She will be sorely missed and fondly remembered."