Tribute to "truly unique lady" killed in Cheltenham crash
The family of a 90-year-old woman who was killed in a collision in Cheltenham has paid tribute to an "outgoing woman with a wicked sense of humour".
Gwenneth Marie Greenslade died following a collision on Leckhampton Road on June 21.
She leaves behind her daughter Sue, her son David, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Gwen was born and grew up in Cheltenham; she went to school in Hatherley and after leaving at 14 she worked at Boots Café in the town centre.
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She married Richard Greenslade in 1942 and after the war they moved with their first child, Susan, to Coventry where David was born.
The family returned to Cheltenham in 1965, to the house which was their final home.
Gwen was involved in various voluntary roles, such as visiting and befriending isolated patients in mental health institutions.
She also worked in the Gloucestershire Association for Mental Health's charity shop on Great Norwood Street for many years.
Her son David said: "She was known for her ease at getting along with the staff and customers.
"She was always willing to listen to those people who just popped into the shop, not to buy anything but because they were lonely and wanted a chat."
After the shop closed down Gwen started attending Bethesda Church's Welcome Club, she went every week for the rest of her life, enjoying lunch followed by a programme of talks, visits and other activities and was always ready to welcome any newcomers to the club.
Her husband Richard died in 2002 a few months after they had celebrated their diamond wedding anniversary.
David said: "Mum remained fiercely independent which she retained right to the end and was adamant she would stay in the family home."
Gwen had a lifelong love of animals. She sponsored a guide dog for the blind and recently, a hearing dog for the deaf. She loved to watch the birds in her garden.
In May Gwen celebrated her 90th birthday surrounded by all her family.
"She was so happy that day, I am really glad she was able to enjoy it," David added.
"Mum was such an outgoing person with a wicked sense of humour. She got on well with everyone, young or old, in fact she never really considered herself an old person. Mum couldn't bear the thought of relying on other people to take care of her or her home and only had help with the garden. She has been described by many as a truly unique lady and I think that is how she would like to be remembered."
The family would like to say a special thank you to the emergency services and all those who looked out for Gwen, especially in her later years, particularly to the Bethesda Group, staff in the Bath Road and Leckhampton Road shops and to her neighbours for always keeping a watchful eye.
The funeral service will be held at Emmanuel Church in Leckhampton at 12.30pm on Wednesday, all are welcome.
Family flowers only but donations can be given to the Guide Dog Association c/o Alexander Burn, 22 Church Rd, Bishop's Cleeve, Cheltenham, GL52 8LR.
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