Tributes have been paid to a former town major described as "one of the kindest people" who has died at the age of 94 years old.

Pauline Wooden of Beccles passed away on February 15, 2024.

She was elected mayor of Beccles for the 1977-78 year and spearheaded the campaign for Beccles Bypass by demonstrating and holding up the traffic issues in Blyburgate.

Councillor Stephanie Bubb said: "Pauline Wooden was an extremely talented outgoing person, always doing things for others.

"Pauline was very public-spirited and one of the kindest people I had the pleasure to meet.

"She was a highly talented flower arranger doing weddings and running Beccles church flower guild for many years.

"Pauline also ran Beccles Flower Club doing numerous fundraising flower festivals.

"She lived life to the full being very active well into her 90s.

"A life well-lived, she will be sorely missed." 

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Eastern Daily Press: Former Beccles mayor Pauline WoodenFormer Beccles mayor Pauline Wooden (Image: Beccles Town Council)

In 2004 the three founding members of the Beccles Flower Club, Pauline Wooden, Joan Wright and Colleen Paterson received medals to congratulate them for 25 years of service.

When Mrs Wooden retired from 20 years as a school governor in July 1996 pupils at Crowfoot Primary School in Beccles presented her with a bouquet of flowers and sang to her.

READ MORE: Tributes to 'selfless and kind' former town mayor who died aged 93

Mrs Wooden married Richard, a Suffolk Conservative County Councillor for 12 years with who she had four children, two boys and two girls.

He was a governor of the Sir John Leman High School for 17 years and, during his eight-year spell as chairman, he battled for funds for vital repairs to the roof of Beccles Sports Centre.

Mr Wooden died in April 1998 after a long illness aged 71 years old.

A memorial service for Mrs Wooden will be held at St Michael's Church in Beccles at 3.30pm on Friday, March, 22.

Eastern Daily Press: Former Mayor of Beccles, Pauline Wooden pictured when opening a new exhibition organised by the Town's twinning association in 2016 pictured by Nick ButcherFormer Mayor of Beccles, Pauline Wooden pictured when opening a new exhibition organised by the Town's twinning association in 2016 pictured by Nick Butcher (Image: Nick Butcher)