Tributes paid to Paulette

Paulette Bentham, who founded Landywood District Voluntary Help Centre, Great Wyrley, died after losing a battle with cancer.

Paulette, 66 at the time of her death, was described by husband Tom as "very loving, reliable, committed, kindhearted and generous."

The former teacher was instrumental in establishing Landywood Volunteer Service and later helped to set up the Cedar Tree Centre, Cheslyn Hay.

She was involved in church activities and gave time to supporting people she felt needed help.

However, Tom, 65, said his wife would never recognise her own achievements and often stepped back to allow others to take the glory.

He said: "She felt she was doing what everyone ought to be doing and she was a quiet person who was able to bring people together and enable things to happen."

Paulette started helping the community after the she lost a child shortly after birth in 1969. Paulette, originally from Bristol, suffered depression for several years but starting to pull together a fledgling volunteer service helped her.

Launching the volunteer service was to start decades of service.

Tom said: "I wouldn't have wanted to share my life with anyone else. She was a rare person who has touched thousands of lives and will continue to do that. I'm very proud of her achievements."

The couple, who met at a Birmingham school where they were teachers, had three children and seven grand children.

Miriam Whitehouse, of Landywood Volunteers said: "Even when she felt she needed a new challenge and moved on to establish The Cedar Tree she was still with us in every way. "

Pauletted died last Tuesday. The funeral will take place on Thursday at St Joseph's Church, Burntwood, with burial at Stile Cop Cemetery, Rugeley.