A CENTENARIAN has died just over two months before her 101st birthday.

Dorothy Metcalfe, a former civil servant, who was living at St Mary's Convent in Ebchester, near Consett, County Durham, died peacefully in the care home on Tuesday.

Miss Metcalfe, a spinster, was born at Hunwick, near Bishop Auckland, and moved to Consett when she was in her teens.

She worked for the former Ministry of Pensions until she retired as an executive officer in 1966, having worked throughout the region during her long career.

For her 100th birthday in February, a garden patio at St Mary's Convent was named after her.

Funds for furniture in the garden, designed for residents to relax in, were provided by her family. She was an aunt and great-aunt.

Miss Metcalfe had been a well-loved resident at the home and was known, according to its manager, Sister Teresa May, for her "warm, vibrant personality and a smile that can light up a room", as well as her sense of humour.

Miss Metcalfe said at the time that her centenary "has been a wonderful day and it is so lovely to have a garden named after me".

She received more than 100 cards and greetings from well-wishers and telegrams from the Queen, and from the Secretary of State in recognition of her lifetime's work as a civil servant.

The funeral will take place on Monday at 12.30pm, at Mountsett Crematorium, near Dipton.

There will be family flowers only and her family have asked that donations be made in lieu of flowers to The MacMillan Fund, Willow Burn Hospice, Maiden Law, Lanchester.