THE LIFE'S work of a campaigner and charity volunteer, Marguerite Cowderoy, has been reflected on by family and friends in the months since her death.

Born on June 29, 1926, she died on December 19, 2020, and her funeral was on January 12, 2021, at St Mary’s Church in Northwood Park, Cowes.

Marguerite was 94.

She moved to the Isle of Wight with her family in 1975, taking up a position teaching French at Carisbrooke High School.

Her husband Bryan taught at Kitbridge Middle School in Newport but died unexpectedly from a virus in 1980.

Following her loss, Marguerite devoted the rest of her life to spending time with family, teaching, singing in St Mary’s choir and charity work.

She was the secretary of the Cowes branch of Age Concern for nearly 20 years and in 1993 won an award for services to the elderly community in Cowes, which recognised her public spiritedness and the kindness and consideration she showed to local people.

Her voluntary work involved helping older people who needed practical assistance, such as collecting prescriptions, filling out forms to apply for disability allowance, shopping, and gardening.

She also provided emotional support to those who needed it, and provided company to the lonely.

One woman who was helped by Marguerite said: “After my husband died, I just fell apart.

"I don’t know how I would have got through those first six months if it hadn’t been for Marguerite’s visits.

"She brought me meals every day, took me out shopping, helped me learn how to manage a budget as my husband had dealt with all the finances — I didn’t have a clue.

"Marguerite got me through that first difficult year and I will always feel deep gratitude to her."

Isle of Wight County Press:

Marguerite, with neighbour George Stapley, set up an indoor bowling club for older people, which helped transform the lives of many people in the area, giving them a focus, company, and exercise.

As well as being an active campaigner for improving services for older people on the Island, Marguerite regularly wrote to the council and local MP, requesting better provision for activities for younger people.

She also campaigned on the importance of protecting conservation areas in Cowes.

She carried on with her charity work until she was in her early 80s, only stopping due to deteriorating physical health.

She died in December, leaving daughters Suzanne and Denise, who thank the Mountbatten Hospice community nurses who supported Marguerite in the last phase of her life, and Dr Alison Boorle from Cowes Medical Centre for her compassionate care.