A large congregation attended the funeral of Julie Titcombe, 86, of Wootton Bassett, on Thursday, at St Bartholomew’s Church, where the choir was joined by choristers from churches of the Woodhill benefice.

The Rev Canon Thomas Woodhouse, who led the service, spoke of her family’s role in the local community, where they have been well known for many years. The tribute was given by the Rev Alison Way, vicar of the Woodhill benefice. Miss Titcombe, who was known from infancy as Julie, was actually named Daisy Miriam Emily when she was born at Coxstalls, Wootton Bassett, on June 2, 1924. She was the eldest daughter and third child in a large family of whom only Malcolm, the youngest, remains.

The family lived at Bolingbroke Close, Hook, for 60 years, and the young Julie used to cycle to and from school at Purton. Despite the Depression, when her father was unemployed, Julie had a very happy childhood, and is remembered for her keen sense of fun. She was punished for laughing when her cookery teacher, showing pupils how to gut a chicken, got mess on her clothing. Julie had to write 100 lines: “I must not laugh at my teacher’s downfall.”

As a young employee at the Bolingbroke Arms, she was instructed to cut a large Swiss roll into 12 slices, for navvies constructing the reservoir at Flaxlands. Julie misjudged, cut 13 and ate a piece to cover her mistake. That job did not last long. Subsequently she went to Garrards factory at Swindon, bicyling to work.

Her longest period of employment, from 1946 until 1984, was at the Dairy (originally United Dairies, later Unigate) at Station Road, Wootton Bassett, where she became a supervisor and also worked in the canteen.

In 1985 Miss Titcombe moved with her brother and sisters Bertha and Stella from Hook to Wood Street, Wootton Bassett.

She was a keen knitter, and took part in a sponsored knit at Church Croft. Latterly, as arthritis prevented her from knitting, she enjoyed reading and holiday coach tours, most recently to Devon. She liked the music of the 1940s and 1950s.

She recovered well after breaking her hip in a fall at the end of November, and was in good spirits, preparing to return home from recuperation at Savernake Hospital. Sadly she died unexpectedly in the early hours of December 15, the day when she was to have been discharged.

Cremation took place privately at Kingsdown. Memorial cheques for Prospect Hospice can be sent to Maslin Funeral Service, 118a High Street, Wootton Bassett SN4 7AU.