A textiles expert who devoted her life to serving the community and caring for old people, was remembered at Abbeyfield this week.

Audrey Duck, an active member of the community, was commemorated last week when friends and family planted two rose bushes in the front garden of Victoria House, Abbeyfield, Kew, alongside a commemorative plaque.

She was instrumental in initiating the Friends of Abbeyfield group and was made MBE in the Queen’s golden jubilee year honours list in 2002.

Mrs Duck was born in Coulsdon in 1935 before she moved to Osterley, where at school she met friend Barbara, with whom she was friends her whole life.

Her husband Peter Duck, who she married in March 1966, said: “This is typical of Audrey, once you became a friend, you were always a friend.”

She was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship, the highest award granted by Rotary.

Chairman of Kew Rotary Club Suzanne Sheffer wrote on her nomination form: “Her most important work nationally has been Good Bears of the World, of which she was chairman for more than 10 years.

“I cannot think of anyone more dedicated to the community who gives up so much of their time to helping others.”

Mrs Duck, who worked in the showroom of Parker Knoll Textiles, also ran the Sunday school at St Luke’s Church for 20 years.

Mr Duck said: “Audrey has led a very active life, despite not always being 100 per cent fit, especially in her later years.

“But she always had many irons in her fire, and all the projects she undertook were performed with thoroughness, care and love.

“I do not have to tell you what she did at St Luke’s and wherever she went, and whatever she did, Audrey became fully involved, and her love rubbed off on everybody.

“Nobody will miss her more than me, but many, many people will. Audrey loved everybody, and everybody loved her.”