Former mayor of Banbury Ann Bonner has died at the age of 62.

The Banbury town councillor, Cherwell district councillor and grandmother-of-two was described as a “tireless worker” by her colleagues, and “passionate” by her family.

During her time as mayor in 2008 she met the Queen when she visited the town with the Duke of Edinburgh.

Mrs Bonner’s family said this was one of the highlights of her life.

Ann Bonner was born on August 26, 1952 to Mr and Mrs Cooper. Her father died when she was 12 years old.

Mrs Bonner was an only child and grew up in Grimsbury attending St Leonard’s Primary School and Banbury School, now Banbury Academy.

She left school at 18 and got her first job at Barclays Bank in Banbury.

She stayed in the financial industry, mainly working at Mattessons and Walls when the firm was in Banbury, Bristol and West building society, Alex Lawrie, now known as Lloyds TSB, and Bibby Financial Services.

Mrs Bonner stayed at Bibby for 15 years, and was still working there full-time before she died.

She met her husband Derek at a young age and they married in 1972 at St Mary’s Church in Banbury.

The couple moved into their first home in Barford St Michael, most recently living in Middleton Cheney.

They had a son, James, in 1977.

She also worked as a tour guide at Broughton Castle, but left after taking up her seat on Banbury Town Council and Cherwell District Council in 2004. She was also a member of Oxfordshire County Council.

Her son James said his mother was very passionate about the community she served and always did her very best when dealing with problems and issues.

From 2008-2009 she acted as mayor of the town, and in 2008 welcomed the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh on their visit to open the Leonard Cheshire Care Home in Warwick Road.

Mrs Bonner was a town and district councillor until she died this month.

Her former colleague Kieron Mallon praised the Grimsbury and Castle town councillor as a “stalwart promoter” of the town.

Mrs Bonner was a member of the Banbury Fine Arts Society and Banbury Cross Players.

She also raised money for the Banbury and District Samaritans as a volunteer.

Mrs Bonner died on Monday, August 3 at The Katharine House Hospice after a short illness.

She leaves her husband Derek, son James and two granddaughters, age three and four.

Her funeral is at St Mary’s Church in Banbury on Monday at 2pm.

Everyone is welcome to attend.