TOUCHING tributes have been paid to a respected former Southend mayor who dedicated her life to helping others.

Nora Goodman, 83, who also worked as a nurse and served as an officer with the St John Ambulance, died at her home in Eastwood.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Missed - Nora Goodman, 83, who also worked as a nurse and served as an officer with the St John Ambulance, died at her home in Eastwood

Nora, a mother-of-four and grandmother of eight, served as Mayor of Southend in 1998/99 and hosted a visit by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh which culminated in a stroll along the Golden Mile with the Royal couple.

She was also made an MBE by the Prince of Wales in 2010 for services to the community.

Her mayoral year is fondly remembered by many because it was characterised by fun and laughter, typified by a daring parachute jump which raised cash for her charities for the year.

Son Gary Goodman, 59, from Eastwood, said: “She was a nurse straight from school, originally in Ireland and then later at Oldchurch Hospital after moving to the area about 60 years ago or so.

“I think she came here with friends who were also nurses.

“She had a great sense of humour and was always having a laugh. If we went shopping we couldn’t walk into a supermarket with her having a laugh with someone.”

He reflected on Nora’s contribution to the community which earned her the MBE.

He said: “Everything she did was about helping people, she was involved with so many different committees and groups, from cubs to churches.

“Even when she retired from nursing, she was still helping and nursing people.”

Nora was proud of her Irish roots and even had a representative from the Irish Embassy at her inauguration as mayor in May, 1998.

Gary added: “She wasn’t the most modest of people but then wasn’t the big I am.

“She was over the moon with the MBE and wore it on a few occasions but didn’t make a big deal of things.”

Paul Collins, Lib Dem councillor for Eastwood – the ward Nora represented on the council - said: “It is very sad news.

“She was a stalwart of the Eastwood community for many years as a nurse and then later as a councillor.

“I knew her well for many years and she was an inspiration to me personally.

“I know she was pleased with my win to become a councillor.

“She will be greatly missed.”