TRIBUTES are pouring in remembering former Rixton councillor Gladys Eaves who lost her battle against cancer at St Rocco's Hospice at the age of 83.

Family and friends packed St Helen's Church, Hollinfare, at a funeral service on Monday to celebrate her tremendous achievements as both a friend and a public servant.

Gladys was elected to the Rixton and Woolston ward in 1983 and served until May 1991.

She was a member of numerous boards and committees and led many campaigns to improve the lives of residents in her wards, particularly the over 60's.

She was diagnosed with cancer last year, just days after her son-in-law, Mike Sadler, a former headmaster of Sycamore Lane Primary School, Penketh, discovered he had the same terminal condition.

But her daughter, Maureen remembers her as a tower of strength who forgot about her own illness to support her family through this devastating time.

Mike sadly died in December last year, but Gladys fought on.

"She was so brave," said Maureen.

"Despite her illness she had amazing courage. She forgot about her own illness to help us.

"It was only during the last couple of months that she realised that the cancer had got hold of her.

"She had lived a very full life and the service was more of a thanksgiving, a celebration of her life. It was wonderful."

Warrington's Mayor, Clr Sheila Woodyatt said she was honoured to speak at the service.

She said: "Gladys was a lovely lady.

"I feel very sad. She was a very good friend, I can't think of her without smiling.

"She became a councillor in her sixties when most of us would be thinking of retiring but she threw herself into her work, she was very conscientious, with a tremendous sense of humour and was well loved by members and people. She will be sadly missed."

Alan Domville, warden at St Helen's Church, said: "She was a great public servant and we were very sorry to hear the news. On behalf of the church we have appreciated her long contribution to public life in Hollins Green."

Gladys' family has asked for any donations to be made to St Helen's Church and St Rocco's Hospice. They can be forwarded to B. Johnson and Son's funeral directors, 169 Liverpool Road, Cadishead, Manchester, M44 5XH.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.