A MUCH-loved Women’s Institute president has died aged 91.

Margaret Wall, from Thundersley, founded her local Neighbourhood Watch group in the Eighties and was a prominent member of both the Thundersley Village and Kingston WI groups.

The former librarian was born in Hamersmith, West London, but moved to Essex after marrying her beloved husband Jim in April 1946.

The couple fell in love after becoming pen pals while Jim was serving with the RAF in Africa.

During the Second WorldWar, Margaret kept herself busy by working for St John Ambulance, and she still had her black medical satchel and some original bandages at the time of her death.

Eldest son Geoffrey was born nine months after their wedding, closely followed by siblings Daphne and Leslie.

The family lived in Romford, Hornchurch, and Dunton, before finally settling in Thundersley in 1960.

During her time in the town, Margaret enjoyed a number of jobs, including lollipop lady, school secretary, and dental receptionist.

She was a keen and talented needlework enthusiast, and turned her skills from mending her family’s clothes to making wedding dresses to order.

Margaret was also very fond of dogs and owned a succession of her favourite miniature dachshunds, and volunteered as a puppy walker for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

She turned to the WI after husband Jim passed away in 1988.

Neighbour Sheila Childs, who joined the WI after building a close friendship with Margaret, said: “We have lost a very dear friend, confidant and adviser.

“She is sadly missed.”

Margaret’s daughter, Daphne Wardle, added: “Mum enjoyed a close, if relatively small family life, with three children, six grandchildren and two greatgrandchildren.

“Her other main enjoyment was her wonderful garden and still at 91 she would potter around. She could name most plants by their latin names.

“Mercifully, the period in which mum could not enjoy doing the things she loved has been relatively short and her passing was peaceful. She will be sorely missed.”

Margaret’s funeral took place at Southend Crematorium on Friday, with the family asking for all donations to go to Cancer Research UK.