A WOMAN with strong ties to Isle of Wight theatres, the church and Island athletics has died aged of 73, after testing positive for Covid-19.

Rosemary Scovell was born on May 13, 1947 and grew up in Avenue Road, Sandown, where she lived just seven doors away from Ray - who was to become her husband.

She attended Sandown Secondary Modern School, before joining the tax office.

After the birth of the couple's daughter, Claire, Mrs Scovell worked at St John’s Primary School and then at Beverley Hall Nursery, in Sandown.

Later in life Rosemary became administrator for the vicar of St John's and Christ Church churches, Rev Howard Cunnington.

Rosemary married Ray at Sandown Methodist Church on February 6, 1971.

When she died, on February 3, she was being treated in intensive care at St Mary’s Hospital.

Her death came just two weeks after Ray's, also from coronavirus. Rosemary was devastated - the couple would have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary this week.

Isle of Wight County Press:

Ray and Rosemary Scovell

Mrs Scovell lived in Sandown her entire life and loved the town, where she was involved in many local organisations.

She was a Sandown Carnival Queen and a member of Sandown Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society for many years, in her younger days.

Mrs Scovell was a brownie and guide leader for several years. She was the first secretary of South Wight Youth Theatre in 1984, and she supported the group over the years.

Through Ray she became involved in doing admin tasks for 1st Lake Scout Group and the IW Athletic Club (IWAC).

She was for a time on the IWAC Committee acting as minutes' secretary as well as dealing with club membership.

Mrs Scovell was ever present at athletics fixtures at the track, writing up results throughout the day - an essential job to ensure eager athletes, coaches and parents were kept happy.

She supported Ray in everything he did, providing admin support, making medals up, washing kits and park run bibs, and keeping him organised.

St John's Church in Sandown was an important part of her life, where not only had she been a worshipper but also a church warden.

As well as daughter Claire Apsey, Mrs Scovell leaves behind grandson Simon Apsey, who she adored.