Tributes paid to Cynthia Lennon as she dies aged 75 in Spain

www.liverpoolecho.co.uk
Tributes paid to Cynthia Lennon as she dies aged 75 in Spain
By Joe Thomas
1 April 2015

John Lennon's first wife was from Hoylake in Wirral


Cynthia Lennon former wife of John Lennon of the Beatles

John Lennon’s first wife Cynthia died today at her home in Spain with her son Julian by her bedside, her family said.

A message on Julian Lennon’s website said his mum, aged 75, died “following a short but brave battle with cancer”.

It said: “Her son Julian Lennon was at her bedside throughout. The family are thankful for your prayers. Please respect their privacy at this difficult time.”


Picture from Cynthia Lennon tribute website

Tributes were led by John Lennon’s former bandmate, Sir Paul McCartney, who said: “The news of Cynthia’s passing is very sad. She was a lovely lady who I’ve known since our early days together in Liverpool.

“She was a good mother to Julian and will be missed by us all but I will always have great memories of our times together.”



Ringo Starr, tweeted a message from him and his wife Barbara Bach, which read: “Peace and love to Julian Lennon. God bless Cynthia. Love Ringo and Barbara xx”.

Cynthia re-married several times after her divorce and published memoirs of her time with Lennon.





Hunter Davies, who penned the only official biography of The Beatles in 1968, said Cynthia was “a lovely woman”.

He said: “When I was writing the book I spent two years with them, visiting her home and spending time with her. She was totally different from John in that she was quiet and reserved and calm.

“She was not a hippy at all. I think it was the attraction of opposites between them. When they got together at art school everyone was amazed - she was seen as refined and reserved and nobody thought they would last.”


With John Lennon in 1959

Yoko Ono said in a statement: “I’m very saddened by Cynthia’s death. She was a great person and a wonderful mother to Julian. She had such a strong zest for life and I felt proud how we two women stood firm in the Beatles family. Please join me in sending love and support to Julian at this very sad time. Love, Yoko”.



Mike McCartney, brother of Paul, who had known Cynthia since he was at school, said: “She was the Wirral girl from Hoylake, and she’d always be around in some of the pictures I took as John was her fella in a group with my brother. That’s how I knew of her existence.”


Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ray McFall and Cynthia at the Cavern Club, 1962
Photo: Mike McCartney

Merseybeat legend Gerry Marsden told The ECHO he was “shattered” at the news, adding: “Terrible. A dear friend for many years. It’s very sad. We send our love and condolences to Julian. She was a lovely lady, a lot of fun. I’m just shattered.”