One of the founders of the Children’s Folk Festival in Chippenham, Antonia Pieroux, died on January 9 aged 86, surrounded by her family.

Mrs Pieroux (nee Chambers), who was known as Toni, taught at Colerne Primary School and later at Westmead Junior School in Chippenham.

She set up home with husband Bill in Colerne and later brought up their five children, Richard, John, Jenny, Barbara and Andy, in Tiddleywink near Yatton Keynell and then in St Mary Street, Chippenham, where they lived for many years.

She was born in Hampstead and met Mr Pieroux when he was in London fighting with the Free French Army, having recently been released from Miranda concentration camp in Spain.

Mr Pieroux then joined the Special Operations Executive and, following his training, was dropped behind enemy lines, where he spent the rest of war under cover as a wireless operator.

Meanwhile, Miss Chambers trained as a teacher at Homerton College in Cambridge.

After the war ended, Mr Pieroux returned to his native Belgium, but once demobbed he returned to England to find and marry Miss Chambers.

Daughter Jenny Kelly, who runs a guest house in Marshfield Road, Chippenham, said: “She was a great support to her five children, always there to help but willing to give enough space for them to grow and try things for themselves.

“Later, she offered the same support to her 15 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She will be sadly missed.”

Mrs Pieroux also gave her time freely to playgroups, toddler groups, youth clubs and Sunday schools and helped out with Meals on Wheels.

She was a keen dancer and a long-term member of the Chippenham Folk Dance Group. She was one of the founders of the Children’s Folk Festival held annually in Chippenham and Melksham and was also involved in the Chippenham Folk Festival from the beginning and remained a keen supporter until ill health forced her to take a back seat.

During retirement she was a keen gardener, skilled dress-maker and knitter and enjoyed flower-arranging.

Her husband died in 2000. She suffered from Parkinson’s disease for many years and after several prolonged hospital stays moved to Athelstan House in Malmesbury.

Mrs Kelly said: “She was well-loved and looked after by the staff there, who said she was a pleasure to care for and that she always remained cheerful.”

A thanksgiving service will be at the United Reformed Church, St Mary Street, Chippenham, tomorrow at 1pm. All who knew Mrs Pieroux are welcome to attend.