Tributes have poured in for a former Marlow mayor described as a “friendly soul” who died suddenly earlier this month aged 78.

Just two weeks before her son was due to get married Margaret Done passed away after suffering a heart attack at her home on August 4, leaving her family in “shock”.

Margaret was known as a keen traveller and animal lover. She served as a Liberal Democrat on Marlow Town Council for nine years from 1994 and was appointed as mayor in 1995.

A highlight of her post was when she hitched a ride on a fire engine to the town council offices, after she became late for a meeting after visiting Marlow Fire Station.

She also hit the headlines of the Bucks Free Press for two weeks running after a cruise ship she was on was hit by a hurricane - with recorded waves of around 90 feet.

According to her husband Derek – who has also served as Marlow town mayor - the story was printed twice due to a “circulation problem”.

Derek described Margaret as his “soulmate” whose death has left a “big hole” in his life.

He said: “She was a very friendly soul. When she used to dog walk she met a lot of people I didn’t know because she ran in to them in the park.

“She was a very keen gardener and we are on a corner so a lot of people would pass by as she was gardening and a lot would stop to talk to her.”

The pair were together for 50 years after meeting while on holiday at a Methodist Guild holiday home in the Wye Valley - and both worshipped regularly at the Marlow Methodist Church on Spittal Street.

He added: “I know it sounds corny but we were soul mates in a way. We had our ups and downs as everyone did but it has left a great big hole.

“Everyone says they got on so well with her and they had nice friendly chats. We were together for 50 years and got together through the Methodist church."

Margaret’s interests were “wide ranging” according to Derek, and she was a huge supporter of the Best Kept Village competition as well as having regular meet ups with councillors from Marlow’s twin town Marly –le – Roi.

Margaret had a soft spot for dogs welcoming numerous new additions in to the family home and served time as a homing officer for the south Bucks RSPCA.

Friend of Margaret and chairman of the Marlow Society, Martin Blunkell, described her as a “quietly effective” member of the community.

He said: “She was a long standing member of the Marlow Society which she supported enthusiastically.

“Her long experience of local matters provided a source of sage advice to newcomers and her passing takes another of the public spirited people who made Marlow the successful town that it has become.

“She will be much missed by those whose daily walks along the towpath with their dogs led to a friendly exchange with Margaret whatever the weather.”

Margaret’s funeral - which was delayed until after her son's wedding - will take place on Wednesday, August 31. The committal will take place in Milton Chapel at Amersham Crematorium at 10.45.

A memorial service will follow at Marlow Methodist Church in Spittal Street at 12.30 followed by refreshments in the church hall.