Singer and actress Phyllis Reed grew up in South Wales but spent 66 of her 86 years in Chippenham.

She passed away peacefully at home on September 16.

In 2012 she celebrated 65 happy years of marriage to Arthur, with whom she came over from the Rhondda Valley.

They had four children – Keith, Alan, Elaine and Donna, nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Mr and Mrs Read both worked for many years at Westinghouse Brake and Signals, but performing was her passion.

Her love of singing and drama began at an early age.

She first sang in chapel and local productions in Wales, before bringing her passion to Chippenham where she joined Monkton Hill Methodist Girls’ Club and Opera Group in 1950.

She was a soprano soloist at Monkton Hill for many years, taking leading roles in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Patience, The Gondoliers and Yeoman of the Guard and even performing as a soloist on the BBC in 1958.

Mrs Reed loved acting almost as much as singing and as a member of St Andrew’s Drama Club and Spotlight Theatre she took the leading role in several plays, such as Night Must Fall and Blythe Spirit, as well as directing plays like Rattle of a Simple Man.

She was also a member of CLOGS and even when ill health meant she could no longer take to the stage herself, she still loved watching their performances.

She was also an active supporter of Chippenham Male Voice Choir, of which her husband was a longstanding member.

Their daughter Donna Gardiner said: “Mum made many friends over the years. Her warm, bubbly personality drew people to her. She will be sadly missed.”

A celebration of her life takes place tomorrow, September 26, at Chippenham’s Station Hill Baptist Church at 11.30am.

The family requests no flowers but donations can be given to Arthritis Research UK via www.bewleymerrett.co.uk