A dedicated community figure proud to be known as the borough’s only mayor from Hampton Wick has died.

Pat Parsons moved to the borough in 1985 and was elected as a ward councillor for Hampton Wick in 1998, a post she stayed in until 2010.

The distinguished nurse became Richmond Council’s deputy mayor in 2002 and mayor two years later.

With three of her own children and six beloved grandchildren she took a great interest in youngsters in the borough and served as a guide commissioner and a Sunday school teacher.

She is also remembered by many for being a dinner lady while she served as a governor of Hampton Wick Infants’ School and helped Richmond Aid, where she became a patron.

After retiring from the council in 2010 she continued her involvement in the community by becoming chairman of the Hampton Wick Association.

Chris Drayson, former chairman and current honorary president of the Hampton Wick Association, said: “I first came across Pat when I purchased a flat in Salamander Quay in Lower Teddington Road where Pat lived upstairs.

“We needed a committee to help run the building. Typically she was the first to volunteer to help, and we worked together for many years.

“Pat did a huge amount for our village as councillor, as mayor of the borough and finally as the chairman of the Hampton Wick Association.

“Her work and public service are gratefully appreciated, and her wonderful sense of humour and her kindness will be missed by all of us in the village.”

Current Hampton Wick Councillor Tony Arbour said: “In all of the 60 years of the borough’s existence, there has only ever been one mayor from Hampton Wick; and that was Pat Parsons, who died last week.

“Pat was proud of this and the Wick was proud of her. She will be much missed.”

Mrs Parsons died on Wednesday, May 22, following an operation.

Her funeral will be held at St Mary’s Church, in Church Road, Twickenham, at 1pm on Monday, June 10, with refreshments in York House afterwards.

Her family is asking for donations to be sent to Cancer Research UK via Wake and Paine Funeral Directors, in Church Street, Twickenham.