A WOMAN who contributed greatly to the Crediton Benefice church community was remembered at Crediton Parish Church on Friday, September 26.

Glenda Mary Hills was treasurer of the Parochial Church Council in Crediton, a role described as one of the most onerous parish roles and one which her expertise equipped her for brilliantly.

Saying this, she worked tirelessly in many other areas for the church.

Crediton Rector, the Rev Matthew Tregenza, led Glenda’s funeral service and said that she was a Devonian by birth...having been born in Plymouth on April 15, 1943.

She was educated in Plymouth and on leaving school works for a bank where we get our first glimpse of her acuity with finances and figures.

Marriage beckoned, following which she and her husband moved to Yatton in North Somerset.

Then followed moves to Chesham in Buckinghamshire, Haughton in Staffordshire before returning to Devon, first to Shute, then Fordton and finally to North View, high above Union Road.

Mr Tregenza said: “Glenda was involved in various groups and she was heavily involved here at Holy Cross.”

He spoke about her interest in amateur dramatics and how it landed her in prison!

He said she had been asked to assist with amateur dramatics in a women’s prison, on one occasion transporting three prisoners in her car so that they could see a live performance, recognising her care and compassion for the prisoners.

Talking of amateur dramatics, he said many gathered for the service could fail to have been impressed by her final performance as the Bishop of Exeter, resplendent in cope and mitre in the pantomime at last year’s Harvest Supper.

He reminded everyone that she was a deeply spiritual person, her faith running deep.

He said she was a regular communicant at the Sunday Parish Eucharist as well as the Wednesday morning Eucharist.

Mr Tregenza added: “It was always my joy and privilege to visit her, both at home and in hospital these past few months and to take her Holy Communion. Her smile always lit up the room and the conversation flowed…always interested in others and how they were getting on.

“Today we mourn for you Andrew, Sarah and Matthew, it is the loss of a much loved mother.

“For others it is the loss of a beloved member of your family, for others the loss of a much loved friend.”

Mr Tregenza also spoke of her love for her grandsons Sam and Jacob.

He said to Glenda: “Well done thou good and faithful servant, ether into the joy of thy Lord.”

Rev Nigel Guthrie said in Glenda’s Eulogy that she was a “people” person who loved nothing better than to chat over a cup of tea.

He said: “Wherever she lived, Glenda always wanted to contribute and help others.”

After her marriage she worked for a bank and once the children were at school she studied accountancy at College night school.

He continued: “Glenda loved accounts! She worked as bursar at Maynard’s School, but was also involved in many groups locally, including treasurer of the Holy Cross Restoration Committee and PCC treasurer.

“Glenda was a member of the Women’s Institute before moving to Devon and she joined Brampford Speke WI in 1980, in the village where her children were at school.”

He said she was an active member, then programme secretary and President after which she became Treasurer for 24 years.

Mr Guthrie recounted how creative hobbies included baking, upholstery, calligraphy, canal painting and flower arranging, helping set up for the WI at the Devon County Show.

Glenda was an excellent skittles player, the local branch closing in 2022 but the friendship and get-togethers still maintained for the ex members.

As an active member of the congregation at Holy Cross she loved reading the lessons, fundraising, particularly for the Roof Appeal, a wonderful quiz master and producer of quiz sheets, many quizzes with suppers organised.

She loved working in the Boniface Centre kitchen and in addition, was organiser and took over the running of the Christmas Tree Festival.

A decorated Christmas tree was positioned near her coffin during the service.

He added that Glenda loved music, especially early English music and very much enjoyed going to the concerts organised by the St Boniface Concert Society, of which she was treasurer for many years.

He said Glenda, who passed away on August 20, would be greatly missed and very warmly remembered.

Donations in Glenda’s memory will be given to Crediton Church and FORCE Cancer Charity. They can be sent to A White and Sons, Albert Road, Crediton EX17 2BZ.