Relatives pay their tributes to caring Irene
The family of a keen swimmer and a 'kind, caring' woman have paid tribute after she died.
Irene Painter, who was born on April 25 1920 and grew up in Fallings Park, died aged 94 on March 6 after suffering a stroke 10 days before.
She had previously been an award winning swimmer in the city and was chosen to dive in front of Princess Anne at the opening of Heath Town baths in 1932.
Her talents in the pool have been continued by two of her grandchildren.
Daughter in law Madeline Painter, 72, said: "Irene was just a kind, caring woman who loved her family.
"Everyone has said to me and my husband Rod what a shame it is she has gone.
"We have been touched by how nice people have been."
Irene, who was married to husband Bill for over 50 years, leaves behind sons Rod and Jeff, as well as grandchildren Jamie, Debby, Sally, David, Neil and Shelley.
She lost her daughter Cheryl at age 21 in a car crash, which son Rod, 73, said brought her a lot of pain.
He said: "I will remember my mother as someone who kept bouncing back.
"Losing Cheryl hit her so hard and she had various health issues later on in life but she was a battler and would keep coming back.
"She cared very much about her family and we all cared for her."
