TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Hampshire villager after she died recently.

Una Lonergan has died aged 83 after a battle with cancer but will be fondly remembered by family and friends for years to come.

Mrs Lonergan, of Chamberlayne Court, North Baddesley, was well-known for founding the village historical society in 2006.

Her daughters Pauline Clark and Heather Bird said their mother lived for helping others and sharing what she knew about the village.

Pauline, who lives in Highfield, Southampton, with husband John, said: “She was an upbeat sort of person and a people person. You could always knock on her door and get a warm welcome. She felt very honoured that everyone looked to her for history things and valued what she said.

“Our mother loved her life in the village and sharing what she knew. This love for history follows on as Heather, her eldest daughter, is a very well read archivist with many interesting projects to her name.”

Pauline added: “My daughter Anna and 'Gran' were extremely close and over the years the role changed from Gran collecting and helping Anna to the reverse. 'Gran' was an 'online' gran and so they always kept in close contact while Anna was away at university.

“Any computer problems and Una would call in Fred Clarke, her great friend, who always kept the electronic airways working smoothly on her computer.”

Pauline added: “Una was very fond of both her son-in laws but had become particularly close to John who managed her medical conditions and enabled her to focus on enjoying her life, family and friends in the village.”

Una had lived in North Baddesley for 20 years, living in Romsey previously.

Her funeral took place at 10.30am on Saturday, November 30 and was followed by a wake at North Baddesley Village Hall.