TRIBUTES have been paid to a "great lady" who lived in the Tenbury area all her life after she died at home aged 92.

Pat Painter was born on August 10, 1928, and was the only child of her parents George and Nora Maund.

Her son Mark Painter said she had an idyllic childhood and went to boarding school at Kidderminster Convent, travelling on the train from Tenbury station.

The family moved to Berrington House in the town and Mrs Painter taught at Mrs Freeman's school, later to be known as St Mary's.

Her son said she enjoyed sport in her youth, especially tennis, and around 1950 she met Bob, her husband to be.

The couple married, and in 1952 their son Mark was born, followed by Charlotte and Georgina.

"During her time in Tenbury in the 60s, Pat, with her late mother and aunt, opened Temeside Antiques enjoying the trade, meeting people and putting her artistic talents to good use during the annual best window display competition," Mr Painter said.

"Like her father before her, Pat served on the rural district council as an independent Conservative, bringing common sense to the monthly meetings.

"During the 60s one colourful event that Pat much enjoyed was the annual Conservative fancy dress ball where she stunned the gathering with attention to detail portraying Marilyn Monroe one year and Elizabeth Taylor another bringing much glamour to the ball."

When the family moved to Rochford around 1970, she started her most-loved hobby, gardening, and a highlight of the 1960s for Mrs Painter was the Tenbury Agricultural Show.

"In 1981, the first of many grandchildren and great grandchildren were born," Mr Painter said.

"Later Georgina and her family moved back to The Barn at Cold Green. Pat always excelled at being a grandmother, confidant and party goer with the young.

"All the grandchildren shared many a secret with only 'Nanny Pat' and Nanny Pat advised with wise words and was loved by all.

"Pat was still gardening in her beloved garden up to only a couple of months ago when she did moan that it was getting a bit cold to prune and tidy up.

"Pat passed away peacefully in her home with family on the evening of Saturday, January 9.

"She was greatly loved by all that met her and will be missed by many.

"You can shed a tear that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived – we must all smile and remember just what a great lady she was."

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