Mary Marshall MBE, who died aged 84 on April 25, was one of Wiltshire’s most active voluntary workers.

She gained an MBE for services to the elderly and community in Chippenham in 1998 and during a period of more than 35 years she maintained an awe-inspiring commitment to her very active role in public life.

She was a school governor at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and later at two local special needs schools.

She served in the Bath Samaritans as a group leader and was also a prison visitor as well as working for Meals on Wheels.

She also set up and fundraised for Chippenham’s weekly Luncheon Club for the Elderly. Providing meals and company for local elderly residents, the club continues to this day with its Christmas lunches still a highlight on the local charity calendar.

A Roman Catholic, Mary was the first woman president of the Chippenham Council of Churches and her funeral service on May 5 was attended by many friends representing other faiths.

Mrs Marshall was married for 54 years to Dr Geoffrey Marshall and the couple had five children and nine grandchildren.

The family has asked that donations in her memory are sent to the Alzheimer’s Society c/o Jones & Son Chippenham.