The Malden and Coombe Royal British Legion has paid tribute to its former secretary who died last week.

Mary Gillett, of Longwalk Road, New Malden died from colon cancer aged 73 at St George’s Hospital on Tuesday, 27 May.

She leaves behind her brother Tom Mackenzie.

Chairman of the Malden and Coombe Royal British Legion and councillor Ken Smith said: “Mary was a well known lady who worked tirelessly as secretary for the Malden and Coombe branch of the Royal British Legion.

“She received many acclaims for her fine Work - the mayor’s award, best secretary for the whole of Surrey to name but a few.

“We in the Legion salute her for her hard work volunteering so that those injured ex service men and women could lead a normal life after as possible. We will remember her.”

Mary joined the branch in 1999 as a secretary and continued in the same role for 15 years.

June Fairclough, treasurer of the branch, said: “She was a very nice person. She would help anybody. She would go and see people if they were not well. She was just someone that you would want to be friends with.

“If ever you wanted to know something she would have it at her fingertips. She was very efficient and such a wonderful person. She will be really missed.”

Did you know Mary? Call the newsdesk on 020 8722 6321 or email ndewji@london.newsdesk.co.uk.