TRIBUTES have poured in following the death of a ‘lovely lady’ and community champion, Gloria Stephen.

Gloria passed away at home at around 1pm on Saturday, September 8 following a long illness.

She died peacefully in her husband Malcolm’s arms, just hours after the family had got together to celebrate the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary.

“She was a very happy person and loved helping others,” Gloria’s daughter, Amanda told the Gazette.

Gloria served as a councillor on Dodington Parish Council for more than 20 years, including as chairwoman and vice chairwoman, and was elected to South Gloucestershire Council (SGC) in 2015.

She had been a school governor, chairwoman of the Tourist Information Centre and a volunteer with Raysfield Youth Club, Avon Wildlife Trust, Wapley Bushes Conservation Group and many other community groups. She was also Girl Guide leader and Friends of Guiding chairwoman.

She was a popular employee at Tesco in Yate, where she worked for over 30 years, from shelf stacker to wages clerk, before retiring in 2014.

She loved travel, and together with her husband Malcolm, she travelled the world.

Cllr Claire Young, Leader of the Liberal Democrat group on SGC, said: “We are all deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague Gloria.

“She will be very much missed in Dodington, where she had been at the heart of the community for so long.

“Many will remember her as a Girl Guide leader, helping generations of girls to have fun and learn new things.

“Gloria faced her illness with great fortitude and was determined to continue serving her community for as long as she was physically able.

“Most of all she will be missed by her family and our thoughts and best wishes are with them at this sad time.”

Chipping Sodbury Councillor Linda Boon, who had been a friend of Gloria for many years, said: “Gloria was a good egg who fought for the things that she thought should happen. She was the sort of person that every community needs.

“She gave up her time to help others and will be greatly missed by many.”

Dodington Councillor Paul Hulbert said: “Gloria was always thoughtful, enthusiastic and a pleasure to work with. We will really miss her.”

Gloria leaves husband Malcolm, two daughters, Amanda and Clare and four grandchildren.

Gloria’s funeral is at Westerleigh Crematorium on September 24 at 2.45pm, followed by a wake at the Rose and Crown in Pucklechurch.

(Please note that September 24 is the correct date. In the Gazette this week the date was incorrectly reported as September 14.) 

The dress code is bright ties for men and bright scarves for women. Everyone who knew Gloria is welcome to attend.