THE family of a much-loved Dalston mother, grandmother and great grandmother have paid tribute after she passed away on January 30.

Kathleen Vevers, 88, passed away peacefully at the Cumberland Infirmary Hospital after a six-year struggle with dementia.

Kathleen was a staple of the Dalston community after moving from Maryport in 1969 with her husband and three sons, Geoff, Brian and Martyn.

Her son, Geoff Vevers described his mother as a "modest and well-liked women" completely devoted to both her husband Donald, and her family.

"My mam was completely gentle in nature naturally, but if it was anything to do with us she always stood up for us 100 per cent," he said.

Kathleen met her husband Donald whilst they were both being treated for tuberculosis at Ellerbeck Hospital in the 50s.

Their long-term "old-school" partnership carried through until end, when Donald passed away with cancer in 2009.

Honouring her husband's wishes, Kathleen scattered half of his ashes on the Solway Coast - the other half finding a resting place in Kathleen's burial plot in Dalston St Michaels Church - awaiting that moment they could be together again.

Kathleen worked as a cleaner at Dalston Telephone Exchange from the early seventies until retirement but found much of her enjoyment within her role as an active member within the community.

Kathleen was a member of the over-60s club, Mother's Union, Women's Guild and the Bowling Club alongside regularly participating in line-dancing at the village hole.

She also volunteered at Barras House retirement home, a role which she took great pride in.

Geoff, who looked after his mother right until the end, said she was a woman with a lot of friends and interests.

"My mam was well-liked and just a nice woman, I fully expect a good turnout on Friday," he said.

Kathleen's burial service will be held at St Michael's Church, Dalston, on Friday, February 11.

There will be a collection at the service for The Air Ambulance and Dementia UK.