Tributes have been paid to one of Tenby’s true characters and most kind-hearted residents.

Former Mayor of Tenby, Mrs. Maureen Ward of Augustus Place sadly passed away on Monday (December 7) after a short battle with brain cancer.

Maureen was one of the town’s longest-serving councillors after being elected onto the town council in May of 1987.

She served as Mayor of the town on four occasions donning the scarlet robes of office in 1991, 1992, 1995 and 2000, before retiring from civic duties in 2007, only to rejoin the council chamber briefly again for a year in 2017.

A keen fundraiser, volunteer and organiser of the annual Augustus Place Residents festive dinner, Maureen ran the Tenby Animal Rescue Centre for many years.

She was also a supporter and promoter of the leading heart charity Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) after her son Caradoc James died suddenly at the age of 29 back in 1995 from an undiagnosed heart problem known as Sudden Adult Death Syndrome.

Maureen dedicated a lot of her time following the tragedy raising awareness of these awful, unexplained deaths, due to undiagnosed heart conditions.

Her good friend and former town council colleague, Mrs. Caroline Thomas has paid tribute: “To me she was a good friend - a person always ready to help anyone in need.

“She knew almost everyone in Tenby in a friendly and interested way.

“Her family, led by her daughter Lis, have been wonderful to her during her months of serious illness; and knowing that she was terminally ill they even organised an early Christmas dinner for her,” she said.

Tenby’s current Mayor, Clr. Mrs. Sam Skyrme-Blackhall said: “All of us at Tenby Town Council were extremely sadden to hear of Maureen Ward’s passing and we extend our deepest sympathy to all her family.

“Mo was a lovely woman, mother, grandmother and friend. She was also a distinguished councillor and four times Mayor.

“She was always there for others whether as a councillor, friend or neighbour.

“The Augustus Place community won’t seem the same without her and it won’t feel the same not bumping into Mo in town, sat outside a cafe and chatting with friends and passers-by.

“She was a warm and kind character who faced many of life’s challenges with determination and great humour.

“Mo was always straight and, if required, direct. She was a strong advocate for those that she represented and for the Town that she loved.

“On a personal level, I was fortunate to spend some time with her in the last few weeks.

“It was amazing to see that, despite her ill health, she maintained her concern for others and her sense of humour. She will be greatly missed by so many,” added Clr. Mrs. Skyrme-Blackhall.

County Councillor Michael Williams who represents the Tenby North ward on Pembrokeshire County Council said that it was ‘such very sad news’ to hear of Maureen’s passing.

“With the loss of Maureen, Tenby has lost a wonderful servant who had a deep love and understanding of her town, that only a genuine local with deep roots could have,” he remarked.

“Maureen served the community of Tenby in many ways, as a Red Cross volunteer, and with her willingness to help distressed animals, and in particular as a dedicated Town Councillor for many years.

“It was a privilege to be able to speak to her recently and even at such a difficult time her wonderful sense humour still shone through.

“Our community has lost a genuinely good and caring person who until very recently still frequently phoned me to outline matters in the town that concerned her.

“Even long after her retirement as a Town Councillor she continued to be an advocate for the community, in particular in her immediate locality.

“It appeared that many neighbours’ first resort was to consult Maureen, knowing that she would do her best to sort their worries out.

“We were able to share a laugh even quite recently, that my phone bills had reduced significantly since she was unable to get out of the house!

“God will bless Maureen, she is truly irreplaceable. May she Rest in Peace,” he added.

Maureen passed away peacefully at her home in Augustus Place on Monday, December 7.

Aged 77, she is survived by Lis and Rob Cooper daughter and Son in Law, Fergie and Marty daughter in law and partner, Grandchildren Emma and Benny Rossiter, Dean and Sammy, Chloe and Yasmin, Great Grandchildren Lilly, Lola, Libby James and Amaya Rossiter, Cousins Chrissy and Barry Manning.

The private funeral, due to current restrictions will take place on Thursday, December 17 at Parc Gwyn Crematorium, Narbeth at 11.30 am, the funeral cortege will leave Augustus Place at approx 10.30 am passing through Town, to The Harbour and up Crackwell Street for anyone who would like to pay their respects.

There will be family flowers only, donations if desired, can be made payable to either 'The Dogs Trust' or 'W.W.F. UK' c/o Funeral Directors W & M J Rossiter & Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby, SA70 8AB.