TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who was “Looe through and through”, and whose compassion led her to work hard to improve life for others in the town.

Geraldine Oliver died on September 13, aged 76, with her family by her side.

Born into a long-standing Looe family, Geraldine was the daughter of respected fisherman Eric Soady.

Joining the West Looe Town Trust (WLTT) in the 1980s, Geraldine was a trustee for 31 years, and chairman of the organisation for 21 of those. During her tenure she supported not only the traditional work of the organisation but also steered it toward some new initiatives.

Clerk to the trustees John Currah worked alongside Geraldine for 14 of her years as chair.

“Geraldine had a great love for the Trust and the community it has served for 147 years,” he said.

“She was a determined, strong and often forthright lady who also demonstrated great compassion and empathy towards the community, particularly to those suffering illness or hardship. Geraldine always made sure that the Trust remained loyal to its core values and directed its resources towards many projects aimed at improving the quality of life for as many people as possible.

“During her tenure as chairman, she oversaw a period of sustained progress in the way the Trust supported the community. Geraldine was instrumental in encouraging new ways to assist the people of Looe; the development of the rental housing and the successful introduction of further education grants for local students being two big milestones in the Trust’s recent history.

“Geraldine enjoyed many visits to all manner of successful activities in the town, often accompanied by her husband David, but she particularly loved her annual visits to Looe Primary School and the West Looe Playgroup at Christmas. Another highlight was the annual presentation night with the junior players of the Looe Town Football Club.

“Geraldine will be greatly missed by all at the West Looe Town Trust for her integrity, kindness, humour and generosity of spirit. She was a good friend and will be remembered for her many quiet acts of guidance and care. Her legacy to the community with be long-remembered and lasting.”

East Looe Town Trust chairman Brian Galipeau described working with Geraldine as “always enjoyable and a privilege”.

“During Geraldine’s long service as chair of WLTT the trust has always been a force for good in the town,” he said.

“Very many individuals and organisations in Looe have directly benefitted from their charitable work. Geraldine’s knowledge of Looe and its people was unrivalled.”

Former mayor of Looe and Town Councillor Armand Toms said: “Geraldine was an important part of the community and led West Looe Town Trust for many years, delivering affordable housing and supporting the community in many areas, including educational grants for young people. She was Looe through and through and involved in so much, helping where she could, and will be missed by all who knew her. My condolences to her family.”

West Looe Councillor Edwina Hannaford said that she had been deeply saddened to learn of Geraldine’s death.

“She was such a warm, loving, gentle person who had time for everyone. She loved Looe and worked tirelessly on behalf of the community of West Looe in particular.”