TRIBUTES have been paid to a much loved former mayor who served her community for decades.

Wendy Goodwin, 81, was a former Castle Point mayor and St Mary’s and Boyce ward councillor.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Loved - Mrs Goodwin and her family enjoying a day at the beach

She died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer and had been staying at Langley Lodge Nursing Home in Westcliff.

Her son, Philip Goodwin, 54, said everyone always had a kind word

He said: “We got the diagnosis about a month ago, and it was a shock.

“Mum was just getting on with it.

“She was loved in the community and she had an endless stream of visitors.

“That was lovely for mum and she was modest so a bit surprised.

“She really loved the people of Castle Point, I wanted her to live near me but she wouldn’t leave the area.

“I wanted to register her death in Castle Point but we cannot.

“She was stoic and passed peacefully, and was a very loving mother and grandmother and so interested in people.

“She moved to Benfleet in 1963 and it really was her adopted home.”

Mr Goodwin said the mother-of-two and grandmother-of-five was enormously caring.

He said his mother had a fantastic energy, despite her age.

He joked about people mentioning how young she looked and how she never had to colour her hair.

Mrs Goodwin was first elected to the council in 1987 and served until 1995 representing the St Mary’s ward.

She returned in 1999 representing Boyce Ward until she stood down earlier this year.

Mrs Goodwin was mayor between 2004 and 2005 and during her year of office raised funds for the Bernard Braine Memorial Clock which was installed at Victoria House Corner roundabout, London Road, Hadleigh, in May 2005.

It serves as a tribute to one of Castle Point’s most eminent MPs, Lord Bernard Braine, who served the area for 40 years.

Norman Smith, Tory leader of Castle Point Council said Mrs Goodwin was very dedicated as a councillor and a lovely kind person.

He said: “She was not heavily political and worked tirelessly to represent and help the residents in her ward.

“She always had a big smile and would greet you very warmly.”

Jeffery Stanley, Tory Boyce councillor said: “She was an extremely thoughtful and clever lady.

“She had no malice in her at all, she was completely selfless.

“She can be absolutely proud of her long service”.

A funeral will take place on Monday July 15 at Bowers Gifford Crematorium from 2.30pm.

The family said residents and members of the community are welcome to attend and they would be happy to share their memories of the beloved Mrs Goodwin.