Memorial Service for Jeane Freeman
Dozens of politicians and public figures gathered to attend a memorial service honoring former health secretary Jeane Freeman. The thanksgiving service followed a private cremation for the 72-year-old, who passed away on 7 February, just 25 days after being diagnosed with cancer.
The public ceremony was held at the University of Glasgow's Bute Hall and was streamed online for wider access.
Her partner of 25 years and described as her "soulmate," Susan Stewart, delivered a heartfelt tribute during the service and expressed gratitude to the NHS staff who cared for Freeman.
"I was so fortunate to have Jeane's love for 25 years,"Stewart said in an emotional address, urging others to pursue their "bucket lists" while they can.
The couple had planned to start the year with a dream holiday to Vietnam and Cambodia, but in January, Freeman received the diagnosis of inoperable cancer.
Stewart remarked that Freeman would have been "hugely gratified" by the turnout at the service.
She praised the NHS staff for their "care, professionalism, welcome candour and kindness," describing it as "utterly exceptional."
"Jeane had the highest regard for our NHS staff and they deserve all our gratitude and they also deserve to be listened to,"Stewart added.
She reflected on the final 25 days they spent together, describing them as filled with "love, tears and lots of laughter."
"It's important to take time for the fun things and the people you love,"she said.
"Don't put them off because you really never know what the next day will bring."
Stewart also shared that both she and Freeman were "news junkies" and that she misses "having a rant and a giggle with her."
Eulogies and Tributes
Mike Russell, a close friend and fellow SNP politician, delivered a eulogy describing Freeman as a "dear, dear friend who brightened our lives and who we will miss as long as we, ourselves, are on this planet."
He highlighted her background as "a daughter, steeped in socialism and feminism from her early days, a caring and indulging aunt, a sister and life partner of her beloved Susan, as well as a much-loved member of Susan's wider family."
"All those people are grieving greatly but they are not alone,"Russell said.
"Indeed this hall today shows how much they are supported. And by so many."
He emphasized that the "golden thread of care and concern about people was at the very heart of her existence."
"I am heart sick losing such a friend. I'm angry at the cancer that killed her. I'm saddened for Susan that she has lost her life partner just when they were looking forward to spending much more time together."
Russell called for channeling grief into positive action, stating:
"We need to channel our tears and distress into what she did - into making this a better world by means of personal example, by the valuing of human support, by building human-centred structures and institutions and being more willing just to join hands with others."
He concluded by describing Freeman as "someone unique, someone we will never forget, our friend Jeane Freeman."
Politicians from across the political spectrum attended the service, including First Minister John Swinney and Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar.
Also present were comic actor Elaine C Smith, musician Ricky Ross, authors Val McDermid and Andrew O'Hagan, and former BBC journalists Brian Taylor and Sally Magnusson.
Jeane Freeman's Life and Career
Born and raised in Ayr, Jeane Freeman had an extensive career in health and social justice before entering politics. She played a pivotal role during the Covid-19 pandemic.
After retiring from frontline politics in 2021, she volunteered at the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow, where she would take around the tea trolley and engage with patients undergoing treatment.
Freeman began her professional life as a nurse and later founded Apex Scotland, a charity focused on the rehabilitation of offenders. For her services to social justice, she was awarded an OBE in 1996.
She served as a special adviser to Labour First Minister Jack McConnell but later became a supporter of Scottish independence. She joined the SNP and was elected as an MSP in 2016 at the age of 62.
Under Nicola Sturgeon's leadership, Freeman was appointed to help establish Social Security Scotland and subsequently served as health secretary from 2018. In this role, she was instrumental in Scotland's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
She also commissioned a public inquiry into the design, construction, commissioning, and maintenance of hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh amid concerns about patient safety.
Last week, First Minister John Swinney and former First Minister Nicola Sturgeon led tributes to Freeman during a motion of condolence at the Scottish Parliament.
