Tributes to former newsagent Gwen
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved former newsagent, who has died aged 92.
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved former newsagent, who has died aged 92.
Gwen Constable, who ran Constables in Green Lane, Walsall with husband Ray in the mid 1960s to 1983, passed away last Monday at Princess Royal Hospital in Newport after contracting pneumonia.
Today her son Roger and daughter Wendy paid tribute to their mother, who was known for her tireless hard work and ability to get on with everyone.
"She would be at the shop from 3.30am to 6.30pm, seven days a week, and despite her long hours was always happy to chat with customers.
"Her days as a newsagent were memorable," said Wendy, who lives in Melbourne, Australia.
"She could have written a book about the characters and regulars who frequented the shop.
"Many times you would see her with the heavy paper round bag on her shoulder, delivering the news as the paper boy had not turned up.
"The shop became a meeting place for locals. Mum would often be called upon in emergencies whatever the crisis. She knew all the babies and senior folk and was a great conversationalist."
Mrs Constable was born in The Green, Darlaston, and was one of eight children. She met Ray in Blackpool and the couple went on to tie the knot in 1946 at St George's Church in Darlaston.
During the war years Ray was in the reconnaissance corp at Catterick and Gwen served in the ARP (Air Raid Precautions).
Ray ran a building firm after the war until they decided to buy the newsagent. They ran the shop for two decades before retiring to Great Wyrley. After retirement they spent their time travelling to Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Ray died in 2002 but Gwen remained independent right up until five weeks before her death when she moved in to the Old Ben Retirement Village in Lilleshall.
Roger, of Newport in Shropshire, said: "She was single minded and very determined and unlike a lot of people her age my mum was not afraid of things like internet banking and had her own laptop."
She also leaves four grandchildren and two sisters Margaret, of Willenhall, and Maud, who lives in Canada.
Her funeral was being held today at All Saints Church in Bloxwich at 3pm followed by a service at Busbury Crematorium.
