The children of Greta Verdin, whose body was found in the River Cherwell last week, have paid tribute to their mother.

Retired teacher Mrs Verdin, 67, of Bardwell Road, north Oxford, was reported missing by her son Johnny after he returned home from holiday on November 7. She had been seen walking his dog Zico on November 1.

Mrs Verdin's body was discovered last Tuesday, by contractors from the Environment Agency.

She leaves three children, Johnny, 37, a restaurateur, Annie Verdin-Mulot, 38, a creative director and photographer who lives in France, and Julia Verdin, 39, a film producer based in America.

Mr Verdin said: "It's still a shock to all of us. It's brought home the dreadful reality."

Mrs Verdin-Mulot said: "We believe she was walking late at night and slipped and fell into the river."

A report has been submitted to the Oxfordshire coroner by detectives who worked on the case.

Greta Verdin studied English at St Hilda's College and was a publisher before becoming a teacher. She worked for more than 10 years at Oxford High School teaching English literature and drama. She also taught at St Hilda's College, specialising in modern drama, and at Rewley House adult education centre, in Wellington Square.

Mrs Verdin-Mulot said: "Girls would come up to me with tears in their eyes and say: 'Your mother really taught me to appreciate literature'. She travelled widely, and that would inspire her teaching."

Mrs Verdin was overjoyed to become a grandparent, she added. Mr Verdin's son Jake is nearly two, and Mrs Verdin-Mulot's son Thibault is just eight months.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday at All Saints' Church, Wytham, at 1pm. There will be a memorial service on July 23, at the University Church of St Mary The Virgin in Oxford.