TRIBUTES have been paid to a well-known Newport woman who died this week.

Lynette Webbe, the sister of city musician Benji Webbe, died at the Royal Gwent Hospital on Tuesday.

The mother-of-two was well known as a member of community group Pride in Pill and for the popular laughing yoga classes she ran.

Her brother, the frontman for rock bank Skindred, said: “You don’t realise how special someone is until they are gone.

“She was an unbelievable optimist, she was happy in the face of adversity. 

“If you were in a room with Lynette you were better for being there. 
“I was her little brother and I was proud of that.”

Born in Mill Parade, Pill, Ms Webbe grew up on Maple Avenue, Somerton, before moving back to Pill before her death.

She attended Alway Infants School St Julian’s School and worked at a nail factory in Somerton when she was 15.

Later, she was also heavily involved with an allotment group in Pill, took up the role of Communities First health champion for women, and was a holistic practitioner.

Mr Webbe said the family had received numerous heart-warming tributes, and had taken comfort in the messages they had received.

He added: “The stuff she was doing on her own was mind-blowing and things we are finding about. 

“She did a lot of great things and I am so proud of all that she did.
“I had friends from around the world calling me saying they can’t believe that she’s gone.”

The chairman of the Pride in Pill group Paul Murphy added: “She was a lovely person and a wonderful volunteer who was always there when we needed her. She was a litter pick champion and she was there for anyone who was in trouble.

“She was a very good friend and it’s hard to believe that she’s gone. When I was told about her death it broke my heart.” 
Businessman Iftekhar ‘Iffy’ Harris said of the 63-year-old’s death: “I am in total shock.

“People like Lynette make a world a difference because she supported you encouraged you and gave you advice. 

“She was someone who got things done and was there for everything. Her smile brightened up your day and you’d have better day after you saw her.

 “She will be missed by everyone who knew her.” 

Musician Bongo Peet from Newport added: "Lynette was just the warmest person you could hope to meet. She was articulate and funny and bright and laughing, with an unforgettable gold-toothed smile and spark that will be greatly missed by so many people.

"She loved her city and worked hard to engage with disadvantaged and vulnerable people of all ages across Newport.

"Her unique passion and energy for the arts and music made such a strong and positive impression on our community.

I feel so sad that she’s gone, but I also feel blessed that I knew her. She was an absolute diamond."

Her cause of death is currently unknown.