A WOMAN who spent over 27 years at the heart of a family business in Stroud has died at the age of 78.

Valerie Joan Hill, who was known to many for her work in the Sunshine Health Shop in Stroud, died on March 23 at her home at the Whiteway Colony.

Her husband Ray, to whom she was married for 57 years, said: “We bought Sunshine in 1987, when we were living in Bristol, and moved to the Whiteway Colony near Miserden to be closer to the Stroud business. I remember buying cakes from Protheroe’s Bakery in Whiteway when I was growing up, and it was just chance that the house we bought turned out to be Protheroe’s house, Val loved it and was very happy here.

“We met 59 years ago at a New Year’s Eve party in London, then courted for two years before marrying. After buying Sunshine we ran it as a partnership, then Andrew, our eldest son, joined us in the business and so, eventually, did our other two sons Michael and David. Our three grandchildren Stuart, Corrie-Beth and Harley have also joined us, making it a real family firm.”

Val was well known for her work behind the counter in the Church Street shop. Ray recalls: “Val devoted her life to her family, but she also worked in the shop for 20 years, until the age of 70, and I can’t believe the number of cards I’ve had from customers who remember her.

“The firm has gone on to have around 50 employees, so Val was known to many people. She never complained or got angry, and her life was one of service to her family and the community.”

The funeral is at Gloucester Crematorium tomorrow, Thursday, at 3.30pm.