DESCRIBED as “such a treasure who will leave a huge hole in our hearts” is Lizzie Kelly, more properly Elizabeth Dawn Kelly, who died last month aged 61.

Lizzie was born in Exeter, only daughter of Frank and Ruth Kelly. She was not three years old when the family moved to Crediton where Lizzie’s brother, Nigel, was born.

She and Nigel went to Queen Elizabeth’s School but when Lizzie first went there it was still Shelley School. While at school she worked in one of the town’s High Street fish and chip shops, making many friends.

Her first full time job was at Gateway on the High Street, now Boots, moving with the company to Mill Street, seeing the change to Somerfield, now Morrisons where she worked for 38 years, being a valued member of staff and a loyal friend to many.

From there Lizzie went to Crediton Pharmacy where she delivered prescriptions to people within Crediton and surroundings areas, enjoying driving the van around the country lanes. Loved by many of her customers who looked forward to her visits. She was there for 10 years.

She enjoyed nights out with friends and live music concerts such as Queen at Wembley Arena, Elton John, Rod Stewart and others, often turning these into sight-seeing visits.

Staff at Crediton Pharmacy said: “Liz was a part-time delivery driver throughout her time with us. She was a valued member of the team; down to earth, humble, kind and unfailingly able to see the best side of others. She was also very popular with the local community to whom she delivered.

“Liz was a reliable colleague and we sadly now know she persevered unknowingly through the gruelling and painful symptoms of cancer secondaries during her final months with us. We are sad to have lost her and remember her fondly.”

Her funeral service was held at Crediton Parish Church on June 22, followed by cremation.

Donations in her memory were for Cancer Research UK and Exeter Leukaemia Fund (ELF) and may still be made through LeRoy Funeral Services, 94/95 High Street, Crediton EX17 3LB.