TRIBUTES have been paid to a former nurse and midwife who has died at the age of 85.

Claire Margaret Sil (nee Durkin) died at the care home where she lived, surrounded by her family.

They paid tribute to her, remembering her fondly as a caring mum, sister and grandma, with a great sense of humour.

She grew up in Accrington and attended St Charles RC School before training as a nurse at Royal Blackburn Hospital.

After qualifying she moved to Bolton General Hospital and then to North Middlesex Hospital, London.

She later qualified as a midwife on her return to Blackburn.

She married and had two sons Robin and Kieron and later worked as a health visitor in Ashton-Under-Lyne until her retirement.

Following her husband’s death she returned to Accrington where she attended St Annes RC Church until her health deteriorated.

Claire then went to live at Eden Mansions Care Home in Styal.

Her family said she died peacefully with her two sons by her side.

She leaves her sister Christine, brother Thomas, grandchildren Cameron, Bethany, Naomi and Natalie, Siobhan and Danielle.

Requiem Mass will be celebrated at St Anne’s RC Church by Fr Simon Stamp on Wednesday April 24 at 11.30am followed by interment at Great Harwood Cemetery.