Julia Scott, 56, of Bushton, was a vibrant, generous, immensely supportive person, who played a key role in village life.

Only her closest family knew of her long battle with cancer, as she wished no-one to treat her differently because of her illness.

Her death came as a shock to many of her friends; she had hosted a WI committee meeting just ten days earlier. She was determined to carry on with a normal life for as long as possible and attended her U3A German conversation class regularly until three days before she died.

Having served for many years as WI treasurer, she took over as secretary more recently and was noted for her energy and enthusiasm. She was an accomplished cook whose shortbread was acclaimed in the neighbourhood.

Julia and her husband Roland, who were married for 29 years, moved to Bushton in 2000, and soon became involved with local organisations.

They ran the book stall at church fetes, served on the village hall committee and assisted with many charitable events, including the Big Breakfasts.

Mrs Scott, born in Slough in 1957, was one of three daughters in a family who moved to Scotland when she was five; their mother died of cancer four years later.

In 1969 Julia was awarded the Dux Medal for the highest performing pupil at her school. In 1976 she joined the RAF. Her postings included West Drayton, Gibraltar and RAF Gatow, Berlin – to which she drove through snow at a time when the Berlin Wall still existed. It was during this period that she and Mr Scott fell in love and were married.

Mrs Scott’s organisational skills were evident in a post-Service career as project manager with a computer company which also employed her husband. Mrs Scott, who travelled widely for her work, and knew how to get the best out of people, was a keen supporter of charities.

She raised thousands of pounds by taking part in London to Brighton cycle rides, even after undergoing a double course of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, a fact that she kept to herself. She had a rare quality of courage and humour under pressure, and a profound lack of self-pity.

Kingsdown Crematorium chapel in Swindon was filled to overflowing for her funeral, which featured many tributes and celebrated a remarkable life that was an inspiration to all. Clyffe Pypard’s former rector, the Rev Michael Flight, officiated.

Memorial donations, for Prospect Hospice, where Mrs Scott was a former volunteer, may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey Funeral Service, 112, High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.