STAUNCHLY independent May Leach has died, aged 102. Ever charitable, she asked friends to make donations to the Prospect Hospice, in Wroughton, instead of giving flowers at her funeral.
Her only daughter, Jean Win-grove, of Old Town, said: "Mum thought flowers were a waste of money. She was very kind and practical."
Friends and family gathered at Kingsdown Crematorium yester-day to pay tribute to May, who lived independently in Pickwick Close, Upper Stratton, until May this year.
Although she was confined to a wheelchair in her final months, it did not stop her going out.
Jean said: "Mum still managed to have Christmas lunch this year. She had it in a pub with friends."
The grandmother of two and great grandmother of five was a regular at the weekly Upper Stratton Luncheon Club meetings and continued to meet fellow members when she moved into Wemyss Lodge residential home, in Ermin Street.
Jean said: "Mum was reluctant to lose her independence.
"But she was full of praise for the carers and enjoyed the outings. She had her very first picnic this year and loved it."
May was born in Islington, London, and left school at the age of 14. She found work as a machinist and met her future husband, Len. They married in 1929.
Jean said: "They had a full white wedding."
In 1967 Jean moved to Swindon with her husband, Norman who worked for WH Smith, when it relocated to the town. Her parents soon followed.
Len, who had failed his driving test six times, finally passed, aged 70 and Jean said her mother was thrilled because it meant they could take trips to beauty spots.
Mrs Wingrove said: "Mum was active and had a positive outlook. She enjoyed going to the seaside, if she could persuade Dad to take her.
"She liked her food and would have an occasional sherry.
"But she didn't really drink and never smoked."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article