The congregation at the funeral of Dorothy Boulter, 98, reflected the affection and high regard in which she was held by so many people.

Her godson, David Wicks, said: “What a blessing she was, to so many of us.”

Miss Boulter, who was born in Cambridgeshire, came to north Wiltshire in infancy, had a happy childhood and lived for most of her life at Bath Road, Wootton Bassett.

Four years ago, as one of the first to move into the care of Bassett House, she set up an art class for residents. Her own paintings revealed her love of nature and the countryside, and were exhibited at local shows by the Wootton Bassett & District Art Society, of which she was a founder member.

She was always helpful, generous, kind and understanding, and ready to offer a sympathetic, listening ear to anyone’s problem. She enjoyed raising money for good causes, and was a particularly keen supporter of The Children’s Society.

Many people knew her as Auntie Dorothy, or AD for short, and considered her a member of their family.

She was interested in history, and was a member of the town Historical Society for many years.

As a stalwart member of the church, she worked for 40 years in the Sunday school and provided lovely flower arrangements for the children’s corner in church, including winter jasmine and Christmas roses from her garden, for Christmas.

She loved music and was a member of the church choir for 70 years, until the age of 86.

A major achievement was her leadership of The Girls’ Club, which met at the parish rooms in the old vicarage, from 1942 until 1954, and grew to include a junior section.

The club’s many activities and charitable fundraising were featured in an article by Eric Ball, in Community, the town magazine, this autumn. It was based on records and photographs cherished by Miss Boulter, whose leadership had benefited very many girls, including Mr Ball’s wife Joyce (nee Fricker).

Miss Boulter was for some years the only female employee among the male workforce at the busy draughtsmen’s office of Swindon Railway Works, a job for which she commuted by train from Wootton Bassett Junction.

Later she was employed as matron’s secretary at Princess Margaret Hospital in Swindon, and as administrator of the nurses’ home.

Miss Boulter was noted for her smile, and when eventually she needed dentures, she requested slightly protruding teeth, similar to her own, so that people would continue to recognise her.

After the service, everyone was welcomed to share refreshments and reminiscences at the Croft. Cremation took place at Kingsdown, Swindon.

Memorial donations, for The Children’s Society, may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street,Royal Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.