STROUD has paid is respects to much-loved community campaigner Sheila Maddock – who gave 45 years of selfless service to the town.

More than 200 people gathered at Holy Trinity Church in Stroud on Wednesday to celebrate the life of the talented poet and linguist, who died after a short illness on August 13, aged 82.

The community stalwart’s coffin was beautifully decorated with colourful floral patterns as a tribute to her lifelong love of gardening.

Family and friends paid respect to her life, reading some of Sheila’s own poetry and extracts from novels.

“We are her to celebrate and remember Sheila’s long, good and full life,” said Reverend Simon Howell, who conducted the service.

"She loved her garden and planned her colour schemes, with hot flower beds and cool borders.

He said she would be remembered as a loving mother and grandmother, a forgiving and kind woman, a talented poet and passionate reader – as well as for her amazing birthday cakes.

“Sheila always had a great insight into people, and about how to comfort them,” he added, “as well as a quietly mischievous sense of humour.

“In her older years she will be remembered for her questioning nature and incredible bravery in the face of illness.

“Above all though, she will remembered for the kindness she showed to other people.”

Over the years the inspirational woman became involved in almost every part of community life, including Stroud Art Circle, Holy Trinity Church and Stroud Valleys Project, and later tirelessly promoted lip-reading classes and social groups for people with hearing difficulties.

Putting her literary talents to good use, she wrote a community news column for the SNJ for many years and also regularly wrote reviews of theatrical productions.

She leaves behind her two daughters and four grandsons: Guillym, Bran, Reuben and John Joe.

They are planning to create a scrapbook commemorating Sheila’s life, filled with poems, memories and photos that people brought along to the funeral.

After the service the congregation was invited to leave a posy of flowers at her graveside in Stroud cemetery.

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