THE family of a former Abergavenny Mayoress and town councillor paid tribute to a caring and generous woman who dedicated much of her time to local organisations.

Christine Prosser died at home in Clifton Road last week following a brave battle against cancer.

Mrs Prosser, 70, was wife of Monmouthshire county councillor and Abergavenny town councillor John Prosser, mother to Lucy and Peter, and grandmother to Orson and Bertie.

Born in Glendower Street, Monmouth, and brought up in Cardiff, she was an active Young Conservative.

It was through her passion for playing squash that she met her first husband Joe Walker, with whom she had Peter and Lucy.

She met John while working at an estate agency in Penarth, when selling his house for him.

They married in 1993 and moved to Abergavenny in 1999, swiftly taking an active role within the community.

She served on Abergavenny Town Council from 2004 to 2008, becoming Mayoress when her husband was elected Mayor in 2008.

She worked as a volunteer at the British Heart Foundation shop in Cross Street from 2002.

Mrs Prosser was chairwoman of Gavenny Ladies Guild, Abergavenny, and a member of the Beaupreau Twinning Association, the Oestringen Twinning Association, Abergavenny Conservative Women’s branch and the Abergavenny and District Tourist Association. She was also a former Lady President of Abergavenny Moose ladies’ section.

The couple joined Abergavenny Light Opera Company and also played for Abergavenny Petanque Club.

“Christine was a very sociable person and was committed to the community around her,” said Cllr Prosser.

“She always had time to talk and be concerned, and made many instant friends,” he said.

“She fought her illness with a positive attitude and when we were invited to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in 2010 she made sure she went, using a mobility scooter.

“Lucy, Peter and I are overwhelmed by the support from the community during this sad time.”

The funeral will take place at St Mary’s Priory church, Abergavenny, on Thursday, February 2 at 1.15pm, followed by cremation at Gwent Crematorium.