TRIBUTES have been paid to a respected twice-serving Crediton Town Councillor who passed away on December 15, aged 81, after an illness bravely-borne.

Anne Elizabeth Hughes was born on September 25 in 1938 as Anne Elizabeth Malone to William Albert Malone (d.1972) and Agnes “Peggy” Gertrude Malone (d.1983) of Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

William was a respected London banker at Hambros Bank.

Anne had a happy childhood up to the age of 11, spending some time boarding at a Catholic Convent school, but after finding this too much, returned as a day student thereafter.

Anne moved from the family home at the age of 28 (1966) and by 1970 was living in Topsham, Devon and married.

Anne has two sons, eldest Paul born 1972 and Robert born 1973.

Around 1975/76 the family moved to Crediton and stayed here together until 1987.

At this time Anne was driven to go back into education and enrolled in a humanities degree course at The College of St Mark and St John, known as Marjon in Plymouth, where she successfully completed a 3rd Class awarded degree. During this time Anne split with her husband.

In 1993 Anne remarried and remained in Plymouth working in education/training and working hard for Plymouth City Council in the Mount Gould area, where she also continued her higher level education.

Anne lost her second husband in 2001, who sadly died from a brain condition.

In 2002 Anne returned to Crediton, where she remained until August this year until her needs required 24-hour assistance, kindly provided by the nurses and carers of The Lodge in Spicer Road, Exeter.

It was there that she passed away peacefully after a second round of cancer.

During her return to Crediton, Anne worked hard on Crediton Town Council, looking after local affairs for local people.

Anne was most proud of her work towards Crediton in Bloom 2011 where a silver award was granted, this work continued on for several years amongst other pressing council works.

Anne was also an avid regular at both Holy Cross and Crediton Congregational Churches and was a volunteer at Exeter Cathedral.

Her youngest son, Robert Harrison, said: "I am sure Anne will be missed by those that had the privilege to know her and her selflessness to help others even at her own detriment.

"She leaves a big hole in the hearts of the family and friends, but we are comforted by the end of the suffering of such a horrible and debilitating illness that cancer of the brain can do.

"Thanks go to everybody that supported Anne throughout her life, especially those nearing her end. Now out of sight, but never out of mind."

Anne is the much-loved mum of Paul and Robert and mother-in-law to Tami and Catherine.

She is the loving grandmother to Josh, Shannon, Emma, Dan, Katie and Evie.

She is sadly missed by all who knew her.

Her funeral service will be held on Monday, January 6 at St Peter’s Chapel, Exeter Crematorium at 2.30pm.

By Anne’s request, please wear colourful attire.

Family flowers only please.

Donations, if desired, in Anne’s memory, to Hospiscare, may be given at the service or ? Co-Op Funeralcare, 119 Cowick Street, Exeter EX4 1JD.