WITH the death of Pat Browning, Crediton has lost a person much involved in the life of the town.

Pat died peacefully at the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital on Thursday, December 16. She was 78.

One of five children, she was born at Cyst St Mary where her parents were farming, they later moved to Hamlyns Farm, Exwick, Pat finishing school in Exeter.

She and Bob were married in August 1970 at St Thomas’ Church, Exeter, starting married life in Crediton.

From school Pat worked at the egg packing station in Alphington, then the Exeter veterinary clinic of Carr and Miller, the Crediton vet, Warner Reakes and at Mole Avon.

It is from Crediton Parish Church that many people know Pat, she used to always sell strawberries at the annual Exhibition with Flowers, it was often she who welcomed new worshippers and who would be found helping where needed.

She and Bob played skittles for Newton Rebels for many years. They had two sons and two grandchildren.

One friend said she got to know Pat very well through Mole Avon but mainly at the Festivals. She said Pat was a hard worker and cared about people.

She will be remembered as one of the most happy people, always ready with a joke.

Another remembered being somewhat awed when Pat had told her about the four years she had spent travelling around Australia, working her way.

She had gone on her own at the age of 16, a five-week voyage.

“She would tell us wonderful tales about her time there doing loads of farm work and fruit picking.

“She had a superb story about having her ears pierced by the farmer’s wife with a red-hot darning needle. She was a wonderful, charitable person who did so much for the church in Crediton.”

Pat also went to Russia with a friend whose son was producing a show there.