Tributes have been paid to a popular community stalwart who has died following a short illness.

Jannette Maynard, who was known for her time working in Boots in High Street, Hoddeston, passed away on Thursday (March 19), eight days after her 73rd birthday.

Mrs Maynard was born in Wellington, Shropshire, before moving to Moshi in the foothills of Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, where she travelled to boarding school in Nairobi, Kenya.

She returned to Britain and settled in Ongar following the death of her mother, Agnes, who was killed in a road crash in Tanzania.

The mother-of-one had a keen interest in badminton and tennis and regularly assisted in events to raise money for girl guides.

She also worked as a school matron at the Anglo-European School in Bishop’s Stortford and Broxbourne School for several years.

Mrs Maynard, who has two grandchildren, married her husband John in Epping before settling down, first in Allnuts Road then Crossing Road, to have son Geoff in 1971.

The family later moved to Sedge Green in Roydon where she played for Roydon Badminton Club as well as being a member of the village hall committee.

Son, Geoff Maynard, said: “Mum was devoted to her family especially her two grandchildren.

“She was not only devoted to her family, she gave her all for the school children she looked after as a matron and the customers she served in boots.

“Mum made so many friends during her time in Epping, Roydon and Ongar and we would love for them to join us at her funeral.

“She will be so missed by her family and friends who benefited from her warmth and love over many years.”

Mrs Maynard’s funeral will be held at the Woodland Burial Site in North Weald on March 30 at 10.30am.

Family and friends are asked to arrange flowers with WJ Murray in Waltham Cross.