A WOMAN who dedicated much of her life to charity work has died peacefully at the age of 102.

Dorothy Embleton was described as a remarkable lady by staff who cared for her over the past nine years at Pine Lodge Residential Home, in Hurworth, near Darlington.

Her only child, Betty Holton, 74, and granddaughter Liz Holton, both of Church View, Hurworth, paid tribute to her strong, kind and lovable character.

Miss Holton, 46, said: "Until recently she was very bright and cheery. In the last few weeks she became tired and she knew her time had come.

"She always looked after herself and had the most wonderful fingernails, that everyone commented on. She was a very active lady and someone to be proud of."

Before moving to Darlington, Mrs Embleton lived in Haxby, near York, and dedicated her life to helping others, earning the nickname Mrs Haxby for her involvement in village life.

Among the charities with which she was involved were Barnardo's, meals-on-wheels and the WRVS, which presented her with a number of long service medals.

Her husband, Harry, died of cancer in 1963, but she continued her voluntary work until her eyesight began failing when she was in her late 80s.

Since Mrs Embleton's death last Friday, some staff at Pine Lodge have received bereavement counselling.

Matron manager Sally Hoy said: "She was a remarkable lady and an integral part of the home.

"She had the longest memory, it was quite unbelievable, and would always have time to talk to people and tell her stories.

"Many of the staff here became like her family and some have been quite distressed about the loss. She will be greatly missed."

The funeral is at All Saints' Church, Hurworth, at 10.15am tomorrow.