Joan Bartlett, founder of Servite Houses, died in her sleep on Monday morning, aged 91.
Bartlett was a vice-president of the National Housing Federation as well as president and board member of 10,000-home Servite Houses, which she founded as Hearth and Home in 1945.

Born in Lancaster in 1911, Bartlett started Hearth and Home for elderly Londoners who lost their homes in the Blitz. In 1946 she borrowed £8000 from the Servite Friars and £3600 from the Air Raid Distress Fund to buy its first house. She was awarded an MBE in 1968, the Queen's medal in 1977 and an OBE in 1984. The Pope made her a Dame of the Order of St Gregory in 1995.

Kate Davies, chief executive of Servite, said: "Joan loved everyone, especially people in great need. She built homes in which people would experience dignity, security and care."

Jim Coulter, chief executive of the NHF, said: "Joan was a distinguished pioneer in our sector, dedicated and determined in her service to people in need. This is a very sad loss indeed."

Source

Housing Today