DOCTOR Lillian Ford, who has died aged 92, had an adventurous spirit which took her to far-flung places including Alaska, Antarctica, Mexico, Norway and China.

She lived in River Park, Marlborough, and was born on February 8, 1923 in Seattle, USA. She died from cancer at Great Western Hospital, Swindon on October 14.

Dr Ford had two brothers, one who is also a doctor and lives in America, and James Lawrence Ford, known as Jim. She had three nieces Miss Judi Ford, Dr Jody Powell, Miss Karen Ford and a nephew Doug Ford.

Growing up in the Great Depression she developed a keen academic interest and went on to study medicine, earning a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science as well as other medical degrees.

She also spent some time as a lieutenant in the US Women’s Army Corps (WACs) soon after the Second World War, before moving to England where she developed her career in medicine in London, Birmingham and Wiltshire.

Dr Ford then spent her retirement years with friends in her beloved flower garden in Marlborough.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, November 18 at 2.30pm at St George’s Church in Preshute, Marlborough.

She requested that in lieu of flowers, donations could be made to the following: St George’s Church in Preschute; Alumni Association of the Women’s Medical College, Drexel University, Paul Peck Alumni Centre, 3141 Chetnut Street, Philadelphia PA 19104, USA; The Royal National Institute for the Blind, The Salvation Army and Age UK.