TRIBUTES have been paid to former Stroud town mayor and professional glass maker Amanda Moriarty.

She died peacefully at Sue Ryder Hospice in Leckhampton surrounded by her family. Amanda was 61.

Amanda and her partner John Cooper moved to Stroud more than 15 years ago and she was first co-opted on to the town council in 2007.

She served as deputy mayor for a year and then three years as town mayor.

Passionate about the town Amanda was keen to see it develop into a prosperous community while retaining its special personality.

When she was elected as mayor in 2012, Amanda said: “I want to encourage people to not just come to our fantastic farmers’ market, but to explore our town to discover its unique shops and businesses, and to see how much we have to offer.”

In 2015, Amanda stepped down from the town council after being diagnosed with breast cancer. She served on the town council for eight years.

Amanda took a degree in economics and politics as a mature student before becoming a glass maker.

She trained in Architectural Glass in Bristol followed by a post graduate diploma at Central Saint Martins College in London. During her career she was awarded a Swash Fellowship, became an Artist in Residence for Artworks MK and undertook many commissions for public and private buildings.

Her family remember her as always being creative. When poor health prevented her from working in her glass studio, Amanda designed and knit cardigans.

A passionate collector, Amanda filled her home, which she shared with John, her partner of 28 years, with glass, art, tin toys, china and any object in which she found beauty.

Amanda taught glassmaking at The Brewery in Cirencester and at Stanton Guildhouse near Winchcombe.

She leaves her partner John and two sons Ben and Sam.

Of her achievements with the town council Amanda was most proud of the repaving of the High Street.

“Amanda had the ability to get people around a table and to find a solution. The repaving of the High Street is the perfect example. Thanks to her, the town, the county council and the contractors worked together for the benefit of Stroud,” said town mayor Kevin Cranston.

A service will be held on Wednesday, December 13 at 2.30pm at Gloucester Crematorium.

The family have asked for donations to Sue Ryder Care in lieu of flowers.