Preston alderwoman and former councillor Marie Milne's special Town Hall tribute after her death at 92

Marie Milne, who represented the Garrison ward for 17 years, became an Alderman of Preston in 2007 as recognition of her service.

The much loved mother-of-seven will be remembered for her devotion to the city's young people and is described by her family as "a lady who has inspired many, who has been a voice for the local community, a leader and who will always be loved by so many people from many different paths in her life".

Her funeral procession passed Preston Town Hall on Monday lunchtime, with dignitaries standing outside to pay their respects.

Marie was born on June 5, 1928 in Barrow-in-Furness, where she lived with her Mum and Dad, James and Dorothy, and many brothers.

Being the only girl, she always got her own way!

Throughout her school life she attended the local convent.

During the war, she spent most nights in the air raid shelter at the bottom of the garden and had to avoid bomb craters when cycling to school.

At 16, Marie joined the Royal Air Force and met her husband, RAF policeman Bob Milne, in Kirkham, before she was posted to Lincolnshire as an ambulance driver.

The sweethearts wed in 1950 at the Sacred Heart Church in Barrow.

After Bob completed his national service he became a policeman in the Lancashire Constabulary, and the couple settled in Preston.

They brought up their four sons - Robert, Gordon, John, and Graham - and three daughters - Alison, Gillian and Dianne - in the Lane Ends area.

Marie was dedicated to making life better for the city's young people, and became a youth leader in the Star youth club in Ashton, St Anthony's in Fulwood, and later Grimsargh Youth Club.

She was devastated when, in 1979, her beloved Bob died at just 50.

To cope with her loss, Marie threw her energy into serving the community as a councillor for the Garrison ward, and honoured Bob's memory serving with the Lancashire Police Authority.

She continued to be the centre of her growing family, doting on her 16 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren.

In 2007 Marie's tireless work earned her the title of Honorary Alderwoman of Preston - a civic title given to someone who the council feels has made an important contribution to Preston.

Only 36 people have been given the honour since 1974.

Her son, John, said: "She was like a dog with bone as a councillor, once she got her teeth into something she wouldn't let go.

"The family is very touched that the council has requested her funeral cortege to pass the Town Hall on Monday.

"She just loved to be involved and active in her community, being with people, meeting people and helping people.

"She'd be telephoned at all hours. Once a disgruntled resident emptied a dustbin on her front lawn because his bin hadn't been emptied, even though it wasn't her fault. She frequently had issues but was always funny and jovial.

" She was very caring. She always liked helping young people who didn't get what we got, kids from orphanages and broken homes who she would take under her wing."

Away from her civic duties Marie, who was nicknamed 'Grandma Cats' by her grandchildren, loved the various pet dogs and cats she had over the years, especially her most recent pet Candy.

She was also incredibly passionate about her garden.

For the last eight years Marie had been battling dementia, which sadly progressed.

She moved from her home in Deborah Avenue into the Belmont Care Home, where she passed away peacefully on Monday, aged 92, with her youngest daughter Dianne beside her.

Dianne said: "They looked after her so well and some staff would go above and beyond their duty to care for her."

Marie's funeral took place at 12.30pm on Monday at St Anthony's church on Cadley Causeway.

County Coun George Wilkins described her as an "absolute gem".

He added: "Marie was an old fashioned councillor, dedicated to her ward. She wasn't in it for the glory or status, she would work her socks off for her ward

"She was loyal, trustworthy and principled, firm but warm hearted, She was the sort of councillor you couldn't say no to.

"She was a beautiful person, she brought out the best in everybody."

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