Major Jessie Perkins MBE, RFD, ED (Retd)
1923 - 2010

St Kilda Football Club has been saddened this week with the passing of long time Club administrator and Life Member, Major Jessie Perkins.

In the early 1960s, Miss Perkins, as she insisted on being called, commenced as secretary to St Kilda’s General Manager, Ian Drake, and spent 16 years working with the Club. During her time with the Saints, it was only she and Ian who ran the administration of the Club and managed the dealings of the players and coaches. Jessie was always so organised in everything that she did.

Miss Perkins joined the Australian Women’s Army Service (AWAS) in 1943 and was discharged in 1947 with the rank of Sergeant. She enlisted again 1953 and served another 25 years in A Reserve rising to the rank of Major by the time she left again in 1978. In 1970 she was appointed a MBE (MIL) and later awarded the Reserve Forces Decoration (RFD) and Efficient Decoration (ED).

Since retiring, Jessie remained extremely loyal to her beloved St Kilda and would get to every game that she could with her family, who also shared her passion for the Club.

St Kilda Football Club sends their deep sympathies to the many friends and family she has left behind.