Prime Minister leads tributes to Lady Joan Boston following her death aged 90
Tributes have flooded in for Lady Joan Boston, following her death at the age of 90, with new Prime Minister Andy Burnham leading them.
The wife of rugby league legend Sir Billy had been a constant at his side since he was a very young man.
Wigan Warriors broke the news with a statement on social media which read: “It is with great sadness that the family of Lady Joan Boston, beloved wife of Sir Billy Boston, have announced her passing.
"Everyone at Wigan Warriors send their deepest condolences to Sir Billy Boston and the Boston family at this incredibly sad time.”
A minute’s silence will be ahead of Friday evening’s Wigan v St Helens tie at the Brick Community Stadium.
Andy Burnham took to social media, saying: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Lady Joan Boston, the much-loved wife of rugby league legend Sir Billy Boston.
"Billy is a true icon of rugby league and has meant so much to everyone across our communities.
"Behind every great person is often a great support, and Joan was a hugely important part of Billy’s journey.
“My thoughts are with Sir Billy, their family and all those who knew and loved Joan, at this incredibly difficult time.
“May she rest in peace.”
In an interview with the Wigan Post earlier this year, Lady Joan said she met her future husband on a blind date at the Wigan Hippodrome on King Street when he was newly arrived to play for the local rugby team.
She said: “I actually ignored him on the first night, talking to my friend instead! But I knew he was the one for me, the moment I first saw him.”
Hundreds more commiserations have been sent on social media after the club’s announcement.
Nina Ascroft wrote: “I think we all feel like we know Joan and Billy because of how warm and friendly they both are. Deepest sympathy to the family and friends, the town is with you.”
Linda Sollars wrote: “So sorry to hear about the loss of an incredible woman.”
Mary Jones wrote: “I first met Joan and Billy in the 1950s in the tea room at Central Park where I used to play with their children - great memories. Lovely lady and so strong facing all the racism she got for marrying Billy.”
Several fondly remembered working with her in Marks and Spencer.
And former Makerfield MP Josh Simons posted: “Joan was a formidable woman who I had the pleasure of getting to know. She was brave, inspiring, unwavering. She loved and was loved deeply by all who knew her. Her passing will be felt by many.
The Bostons famously attended Buckingham Palace last year when plain Billy Boston became rugby league’s first knight of the realm. Sadness was expressed at the time that it had taken so long for the sport but also because Sir Billy has been living with dementia for several years.
The also held a big party earlier this year at the stadium which celebrated both their platinum wedding anniversary (70 years married) and Joan’s 90th birthday.