Daphne Perkins

The large congregation at St Bartholomew's Church, Royal Wootton Bassett, on October 29, for the funeral of Daphne Pearl Perkins, 87, reflected the affection and regard of all who knew her. Many tributes referred to Daphne's central role in her loving family, her terrific sense of fun, warm friendship, wisdom, caring nature and courage.

Daphne, nee Keen, the eldest of six children, enjoyed a happy childhood in Heddington, where she loved to help in the family shop. As well as completing a secretarial course, she served for four years as a Wren in the Royal Navy, where she first met her husband, the late Tony Perkins, when they were both serving in telecommunications in Malta. Tony and Daphne were married in 1958. Daphne returned to civilian life and in 1960 they were posted to Bahrain, where their elder daughter Sarah was born. A second daughter, Louise, arrived when they returned to the land-based HMS Ganges, in Suffolk, where Tony was a Petty Officer and Naval instructor. He left the Navy in 1963.

The family settled in Wootton Bassett, where they raised their family and were active in many aspects of the local community.

A host of happy memories, shared by family members, expressed Daphne's cherished involvement in their lives. She was immensely proud of her five grandchildren, who all visited her regularly and in her final weeks wrote of the pleasure they gained from her company in their formative years.

New Year safari suppers, walks, the gardening club, Ladies' Guild, the Croft, the town museum, and work as a volunteer in local charities were just some of the activities in which she was involved.

Vaughan Williams' The Lark Ascending was played as the congregation assembled for the service, led by the Rev Canon Jane Curtis. Hymns included The Lord's My Shepherd and Lord of the Dance. Recessional music was Somewhere Over the Rainbow and What a Wonderful World.

Daphne's close family attended the committal at North Wiltshire Crematorium, after which refreshments and more reminiscences were shared at Marsh Farm Hotel.

Memorial donations for Prospect Hospice, where Daphne spent her final days, may be sent c/o Johnson & Daltrey, 112 High Street, Royal Wootton Bassett, SN4 7AU.