MARILYN Parsons, 86, of Royal Wootton Bassett, is remembered fondly as a truly inspirational person, who was loved by all whose lives she touched.

A large congregation on December 21 shared in a service of thanksgiving at St Mary’s Church, Lydiard Tregoze, where she and her late husband Gordon were actively involved for many years.

Marilyn, who was widowed in 1989, died at home, surrounded by her family, to whom she was devoted.

Marilyn spent her early life in Swindon, attended school at Euclid Street and was a chorister at the Baptist Tabernacle, (now gone) in Regent Circus.

She was an accomplished singer, on her way to a professional career, when she met Gordon Parsons and became a farmer’s wife instead.

They were introduced by Gordon’s brother Mary Morse, a friend who worked at Deacons in Old Town when Marilyn worked at Boots.

Gordon and Marilyn were wed in 1950 at the Tabernacle. They went on to have three daughters, Julie, Carolyn and Mavis, and in later years Marilyn gained great joy from her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Amusing anecdotes about life on the farm were recalled by the family. Even when in labour, on the day of Julie’s birth, Marilyn was busy with the milking and insisted, “I will just finish this cow.”

Over the years she had various jobs and finally worked for Brady’s chemist, at Wootton Bassett (which later became Boots!)

Music and singing remained her passion, and her performances were enjoyed by audiences around the district.

Her three daughters performed one of her own compositions, Marilyn’s Song at the funeral.

After Gordon’s death at the age of 63, Marilyn embarked on some adventures. She passed her driving test, went on a Holy Lands cruise, and enjoyed winter sports in the French Alps.

In later years, at Lorna Doone Day Centre, she relished day trips and social events.

During the last decade, when she coped courageously with Alzheimers’s disease and severe arthritic pain, she continued to sing, and relished the opportunity to listen to CDs of Andre Rieu, Andrea Bocelli, Il Divo and others.

Music and readings at the thanksgiving service, conducted by the Rev Clive Deverell, reflected her firm faith. Hymns included Shine, Jesus Shine! And Great is Thy faithfulness.

Burial took place at Royal Wootton Bassett Cemetery, after which refreshments and reminiscences were shared at Hook Village Hall. Memorial donations, for The Alzheimer’s Society and Motor Neurone Disease Association, may be sent c/o Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AU.