Mrs Billitt was born in March on June 12 1919, to Leonard and Edith Palmer.

They lived in Creek Road then moved to 5 Burn Street when Nola was a teenager.

She was educated at March High School, worked in Boots chemists and also helped to run the home when her mother was unwell.

In April 1941, during the war, Nola married Sydney Billitt. They lived in Gaul Road, opposite Sydney’s corn mill.

Nola and Sydney have four children: Jane, Ferrol, Roderick and Mark.

Nola was very involved in the life of St Peter’s Church from the time of Rev. Breed. She was on the PCC during Rev Broadhead’s incumbency.

She enjoyed helping at the fêtes and events.

After her father’s death in 1953, Nola fulfilled his wish to install a carpet in the centre aisle. It took a year to raise the cost of £100 by holding events such as tombolas. The original blue carpet is now in the side aisle.

Nola was active in many other organisations:

• 1944: Committee member of RSPCA in March with Mrs S Morton

• 1946: Member of Business and Professional Women’s Association, committee member of the dog training club when it was started by Mrs S Morton and member of the High School Old Girls Association

• 1958: Joined March Floral Club and became president of March Ladies Conservative Club

Nola raised money for various causes by having tea parties in her garden at Gaul Road; also some dog training sessions were held there.

Nola was a devoted and inspirational mother to her large family which includes 12 grandchildren and a great great grandson Jacob.

She was very interested in animals; she has kept pets of many kinds, including peacocks and a fearless rabbit. Her main love is dogs, of which she has had many different breeds.

Nola’s garden is bird-friendly, with woodland areas, and in recent years she gained much pleasure from feeding and watching them.

The funeral will be held at St Peter’s Church, March on Thursday May 12 at 11.15am. It will be followed by interment at Eastwood Cemetery.