(Image: FAMILY)
A much-loved North Yorkshire woman who dedicated decades of her life to preserving Croatia’s cultural heritage has been remembered as a “force of nature” who left a mark on everyone around her.
Lady Jadranka Beresford-Peirse MBE, widow of the late Sir Henry, died from natural causes aged 88.
Family and friends remembered the devoted mother and grandmother at her funeral in St Gregory’s Church, Bedale, where her work helped restore historic buildings and livelihoods after Croatia’s devastating 1991 war.
Born and raised in communist Yugoslavia, Lady Beresford-Peirse first came to England in the 1950s and returned in the 1960s after completing her studies.
After being invited to Bedale by a friend for Christmas, she met Henry Beresford-Peirse, who she went on to marry.
Her son Johnny told mourners that, apart from the loss of their twins, his parents enjoyed many years of happiness and joy.
He added: “While she had left her own country, it held a very special place in her heart and one of the things I’m most grateful for is that she made sure my brother and I could speak the language and have a proper feel for the country.”
“She loved being in Bedale and loved our garden, with its bountiful produce. I’m sure many remember the endless jams and juices, particularly red currant, where in some circles it became known as the ‘dreaded juice’.
Lady Jadranka Beresford Peirse whose funeral was held at St Gregory’s Church in her beloved hometown of Bedale.
“In 1991, her life took a different turn when war broke out in Yugoslavia and Croatia became independent. Faced with appalling destruction, she knew she had to do all she could to protect its heritage and culture.
"She knew humanitarian efforts were the priority, but that a country’s heritage and culture is its soul.
“My father supported her entirely, and together they founded the International Trust for Croatian Monuments, which for the next 35 years raised funds to rebuild and restore buildings of cultural importance damaged in the war.
"They helped many young Croatian students attend conservation courses at British universities and championed Croatian culture around the world.”
Lady Beresford-Peirse worked tirelessly throughout her life, with Johnny recalling the clatter of her typewriter as she sought support for the cause.
He said: “But that was her, indefatigable, and she was to the end, even writing a book about our family history through our paintings. A memory that really sticks out for me is in the 1990s, the sound of her typewriter clattering away, as she wrote endless letters seeking support.
“It was fitting and entirely deserved that, alongside the many honours she received in Croatia, she was awarded an MBE by the King in 2024. It was a full circle moment: the Prince of Wales’s Charitable Fund gave her charity its first donation in 1991. She was an incredible mother and role model, and I am deeply proud of her.”
Her eldest son, Sir Henry Njers Beresford-Peirse Bt, also paid tribute to her and the impact of her work.
He said: “It was when our Father retired, hoping for a quiet life in his beloved Bedale, that Jadranka began her life’s work supporting Croatia’s cultural heritage. Some wondered: why support cultural heritage?
Lady Jadranka Beresford Peirse whose funeral was held at St Gregory’s Church in her beloved hometown of Bedale.
"When people were left with no food and homes destroyed, they felt culture brought strength and hope. You have to feed the mind as well.
“Her work restoring Croatia’s culture was monumental, but she was especially proud of reviving the country’s struggling flax-growing and weaving businesses.
“My mother had a good line in exceptionalism and obviously was always right, which, some may say, was part of her charm. A force of nature, she left a mark on everyone around her and that will never be forgotten.
"She loved Bedale and will be happy to be back with Henry in the churchyard.”
Former Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher was among those charmed by Lady Beresford-Peirse.
After Mrs Thatcher was enraged by the suffering in Croatia, Lady Beresford-Peirse pinned a Dubrovnik-made brooch to her lapel, where it stayed despite staff protests.
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The former Prime Minister became a strong supporter of her cause.
Lady Beresford-Peirse was a devoted mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.
She leaves behind Henry, Johnny, Jo and Katy, and her grandchildren Harry, Alf, Martha and Laurie.