A woman who lived in Wallingford all her life has died at the age of 94.

Mary Bitmead was the only child of Benjamin William Hilliard and was from a family that produced three mayors of Wallingford.

She was educated at Wallingford Grammar School and went on to train as a domestic science teacher.

She married Edward William Bitmead in 1937, but at the outbreak of the Second World War her husband volunteered for the Royal Air Force and was killed in a Spitfire just six years after their wedding.

After the war, Mrs Bitmead's love for Wallingford Grammar took her back to the school she once attended as a pupil, this time as the headmaster's secretary, a post she held for 26 years.

She loved Wallingford and made many friends both in the town and further afield.

Her dedication to the town was demonstrated by her membership of many of its clubs and societies, including the Wallingford Gardening Society, the U3A and the Wallingford Museum. She was also a supporter of the Sinodun Players.

Mrs Bitmead leaves a daughter and granddaughter, who said they took comfort in the many tributes they had received. The funeral was held at St Mary's Church, conducted by Rev David Rice.