Tears shed as community gathers to remember much-loved Stroud councillor Maureen Rutter

Maureen, a dedicated Labour county councillor for nearly 30 years, died on October 10 last year, having suffered a stroke a few weeks previously.

Around 200 people of all ages congregated at Archway School on Saturday afternoon to remember the much-loved stalwart.

Family and friends paid heartfelt tributes, remembering Mo – as she was also known – as a ‘dedicated and caring woman’ who fought passionately for causes she believed in.

In-between speeches, jazz music and dancing, the audience was also treated to a rendition for a few of Mo’s favourite songs by the choir she used to sing in - Songs of Change.

The 20-strong group dressed all in red as a sign of respect to her former party, while hundreds of her favourite yellow daffodils and white snowdrops adorned the hall.

Champagne, tea and cake was served as a picture slideshow of Maureen’s life that had been organised by her grandsons was played on a large screen above the crowd.

Many people wrote small messages to Mo, which were then hung around venue.

Jo Smith, a long standing friend, lead the tributes alongside current Labour county councillor Brian Oosthuysen.

Linda Pace, a close friend who organised the flower arrangement, said the party was ‘a fitting tribute to a great woman and a dear friend and role model.”

Another friend, Carole Oosthuysen, said: “It was a fabulous event. Mo wanted a big party, and she certainly got one.

She continued: “Maureen was passionate person - she fought for causes she believed in, social justice being prominent.

“She was dedicated to improving the lives of children and young people, and was a kind, generous and very intelligent woman.”

The head teacher of Archway school, Colin Belford, also paid tribute, saying Mo had been very helpful to the school both as a governor and as a councillor.

In a touching mark or her universal popularity, politicians from across the spectrum also attended the event to remember the former leader of the Labour group on GCC.

Maureen joined Gloucestershire County Council in 1981, representing the Cainscross and Rodborough areas of Stroud for 27 years, winning seven elections as county councillor.

In 2014 she received an Award of Merit in recognition of her long and dedicated service to the Labour Party at GCC.

She had suffered two strokes in September while in Cornwall visiting family and had since been a patient at the Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro, where she died on Saturday October 10.

The organisers issued a message of thanks to all those who attended.