MAYOR of Okehampton and later Mayor of West Devon Borough Council, Mrs Brenda Savage died in January at the age of 95 at Crediton where she had lived since 1995 to be near her family.

Brenda was the fourth of five children of Alethea and Douglas Ratcliffe, growing up in Exmouth where she was born. Her mother, all her brothers and sisters were teachers and her father was a builder. Brenda’s training to be a Domestic Science teacher, interrupted by World War Two, was finished at Torquay.

Her first job was at Okehampton Secondary Modern School, when she met Victor Savage. They married in 1950 at Withycombe Church, Exmouth.

Among others, both were members of Okehampton Conservative Club and the town Rugby Club. They had three children, all brought up in Okehampton.

Brenda was also interested in amateur dramatics and enjoyed knitting, embroidery and cross stitch as well as making a number of clothes for her children. Not surprisingly, she was an excellent cook with a never-empty cake tin.

She left teaching while her family was growing up, returning later but retiring when she went into local politics. She became a member of Okehampton Town Council, being elected Mayor in 1980, a position she held for three years. Vic was also Mayor for a year in 1984.

Brenda recorded everything in albums, newspaper cuttings, photographs and invitations with a detailed dated list of every event she attended. It is a wonderful archive resource for her family.

She was also elected to West Devon Borough Council and became Mayor of West Devon for the year in 1987.

As well as the many events at home, Brenda represented her town on twinning ceremonies in France. She spoke French quite well, often using it on her family.

After her move first to Sandford to live with her son, Peter, and family, Brenda moved to Redvers House in Crediton, joining many social events.

As well as being a member of the League of Friends of Crediton Hospital for several years, she was a member of Crediton Area History and Museum Society, becoming a guide at Downes, the seat of the Buller family. She had been a Churchwarden while at Sandford for St Swithun’s Church.

Brenda had seven grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Her funeral service was held at the Exeter and Devon Crematorium.

Donations in her memory for St Swithun’s Church, Sandford may be made via LeRoy Funerals, 94/95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB.