Annette Mates, who spent her life in teaching and charity work, has died aged 97.

She was a resident at Rush Court home for the elderly in Wallingford.

Mrs Mates, pictured, was born in Essex. Her mother, Margaret Pearse, was one of the first women doctors to practice in England and her father Sir Percy Alden, of Oxford, was MP for Tottenham in the 1920s and 30s.

Mrs Mates taught at Long Dene School in Jordans, Buckinghamshire, before moving to London in 1936. During the war she was evacuated to Beesands in Devon and later to Here- fordshire.

She was a volunteer for Christian Aid, Age Concern and Henley Day Centre.

She had been a house parent at the Pestalozzi Children's Village in Switzerland and was a fundraiser for the English equivalent.

She was an independent member of Henley town council and in 1980 received a Queen Mother Award for her charity work.

She leaves a son and daughter, seven grandchildren, two step-grand- children and 11 great grand- children.

A memorial service was held at St Mary's Church in Henley. Her family want donations in her name to go to Christian Aid or the Carers of Rush Court.