TRIBUTES have been paid to a former mayor and mayoress of Blackburn.

Nancy Rhoda Bramley-Haworth, who was mayor from 1977-78 and mayoress while her late husband George held office from 1991-92, died peacefully at Longfield Residential Home, Preston New Road, Blackburn, Mrs Bramley-Haworth, who was known as Nen, was in her 90s.

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Her son, retired dentist and former Hyndburn Council leader Nigel Bramley-Haworth, said: “She led a long and jolly life and one can’t ask for more than that.”

Mrs Bramley-Haworth was brought up near Mold in North Wales before moving to Manchester to train to be a nurse. She moved to Blackburn in 1945 as a district nurse and she met George at Blackburn Cathedral .

She represented the St Luke’s, and Earcroft wards from 1969, and was last elected in September 1992.

She was chair and vice-chair of the housing committee, and received the Queen Elizabeth II Silver Jubilee Medal in June 1977.

Son Nigel, 65, said: “She did not hold back in what she thought and believed in, and debates could sometimes be quite lively when she was around.”

As well as being involved with a businesswoman’s association, Mrs Bramley-Haworth was a school governess and had countless friends.

After her health began to fail her, Mrs Bramley-Haworth moved into Longfield Residential Home around seven years ago, where she was “exceptionally well cared for”, her son said.

Mr Bramley-Haworth died 21 years ago of heart failure.

Mrs Bramley-Haworth was also a regular worshipper at Blackburn Cathedral, where her funeral will be held from 11.30am on Wednesday, April 22.

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Blackburn Cathedral Fund, care of Hyndburn Funeral Services, in Queens Road, Accrington.