A WOMAN who was made an MBE for her services to the community has died at the age of 84.

Hilary Jones, of Plas-y-Delph, Ponciau, was well known in the area for her many years of voluntary work with a wide range of organisations and also for her role as a foster mother.

She died suddenly at Wrexham Maelor Hospital on Saturday evening where she had been taken that morning after she was taken ill at home.

Mrs Jones was the eldest of eight children born to Robert and Mary Pemberton of Ponciau.

On leaving school she worked at the Maelor hospital for many years, then went into the volunteering with the WRVS (the Women’s Royal Voluntary Service) and many other organisations.

She and her late husband Arthur, who died a number of years ago, were known in the community for entertaining various groups.

Mr Jones ran the Darby and Joan Club in Rhos and his wife eventually took over from him.

Over the years the couple fostered about 30 children. They had no children of their own but adopted one son, David, who has two children, Bethan and Gareth, who all live in London.

Mrs Jones was made an MBE in June, 1995, for her dedication to volunteering and fostering and was presented with the honour by the Prince of Wales.

Her younger sister, Audrey Wilson, of Llay, said: “The family would like to thank all staff at the Maelor hospital for their excellent care of Hilary.”

The funeral service will take place at Mount Pleasant Chapel in Ponciau at 1pm on Wednesday, April 20, followed by committal at Wrexham Crematorium at 2pm.

Donations are requested for Nightingale House Hospice.