Tributes have been paid to former councillor Marcia Wengradt, described as a “pillar of the community,” who passed away in hospital on Saturday at the age of 72.

Mrs Wengradt, who had represented Falmouth on the town council and on the former Carrick District Council, had suffered ill health in recent years and at Christmas it is understood she underwent heart surgery.

As well as her council work, Mrs Wengradt was well known for her commitment to a number of other organisations, including the Beacon Community Regeneration Partnership, the Old Hill Residents Association, Carrick Housing, the Friends of the Princess Pavilion, the Dracaena Centre and its predecessor, Falmouth Youth Club.

Grenville Chappel, project coordinator for the BCRP, said: “Marcia served the community in so many ways over so many years.

Up until a few weeks ago she was still trying to get up here for meetings even though she was not really up to it. She was one of our cheque signatories until very recently – she worked until the end.

“She was a pillar of the community in all respects and even though she had not been well, her death was a shock.”

Gerald Chin-Quee, who worked alongside Mrs Wengradt on the council at the youth club and at the residents’ association, added: “She had been part of the Old Hill community for so many years and her husband Desi had also been involved with a lot of things.

“She was all over the place, in our community in particular, and certainly had been with the youth club for quite a few years. I still remember seeing the two of them at the youth club fun days with Desi stripped to the waist and Marcia running the raffle.”

Mrs Wengradt’s husband, Desmond, had been a keen sportsman and played for Falmouth Docks Football Football Club in his day. He died in 2007 aged 79. She is survived by their children Michael, Kathryn, Kevin and Marcus and their partners.

A funeral service will take place at Penwerris Church and will be followed by burial at Falmouth Cemetery. At the time of going to press, the day and time of the service could not be confirmed, although it was hoped to be held this week. Donations, in lieu of flowers will be passed to Cornwall Air Ambulance.

For details of the funeral, contact Roy Sanders of Penryn and Falmouth Funeral Directors on 01326 376926.