Debbie Parrott, a resident of the Royal Wootton Bassett area for the past 40 years, was a friendly, forthright, caring, popular person who was involved in many aspects of local life.

She worked for some years as office manager at the former Mudfords factory in Morstone Road, and was a volunteer at the Oxfam shop and Prospect Hospice.

She was a former member of Wootton Bassett Carnival committee, and was secretary of The Friends of New Court Surgery for many years.

Even after retiring from the committee, Mrs Parrott remained actively involved in the activities of FONCS, the patient participation group.

She was a keen member of the Gardening Club, and was associated with the Mothers’ Union, at Bradenstoke and at Royal Wootton Bassett.

A large congregation attended her funeral at Sacred Heart Church, Royal Wootton Bassett, where Fr Anthony Paris described her as “ a lovely lady”. A tribute was given by Mrs Parrott’s brother-in-law Tony Brooks, who is married to her sister Anna.

He spoke of Mrs Parrott’s love of Scrabble, her side-splitting sense of humour, generosity, creativity, enjoyment of picnics and of socialising with family and friends, and her lifelong devotion to her Christian faith.

In her youth, Mrs Parrott served in the WRAF in Aden, but left after two years for a marriage that lasted only seven years.

She relished opportunities to travel, and visited many countries, making friends wherever she went, and maintaining contact subsequently by email.

She loved to chat, was fascinated by quizzes, and was a prolific knitter, with a huge collection of all-sized knitting needles.

She held high values and had deep insight and understanding of other people’s needs.

Her family invited everyone to share refreshments and reminiscences in the church hall. Cremation took place later, at Kingsdown.

Memorial cheques for The Prospect Hospice may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.