PORTISHEAD will never be quite the same again for many after the death of popular resident Gill Lench.

Gill, aged 74, passed away peacefully at Haven Lodge Nursing Home on November 1 with her devoted husband Peter at her side.

Gill, the middle child of three daughters, was born in London where she met Peter when they were both teenagers.

They married in 1955, living in Berkshire and Hampshire before moving to Portishead in 1971.

A keen volunteer in the community, Gill devoted time in the past to the charity WRVS, which supports older people in the community.

Her main passion was netball and as a result she became a coach at Portishead Youth Club, hosting tournaments and travelling with teams around the country. She successfully spearheaded many charity events to raise funds to re-surface the netball court, and arranged for North Somerset MP Liam Fox to open it.

Gill was devoted to her family and over the years played netball with her twin daughters and granddaughters.

Gill’s daughter, Paula Chapman, said: “Mum played to county standard and just a few weeks ago, if invited to play, she would have been first on the court. She was a true team player in all aspects of her life.

“Mum loved sport and would always rise to any challenge, she was a true fighter.”

As well as Peter, Gill leaves behind six children, 17 grandchildren and soon-to-be 16 great-grandchildren.

Her family added: “Always so full of fun and spirit, a heart of total gold with a wicked sense of humour, she was an inspiration to all.

“She was an amazing mum who showed so much patience, diplomacy and love, a truly cool nanna and the most wonderful nanna Gill to her great grandchildren, she will always be missed and the gap will never be filled.”

A service will be held to celebrate Gill’s life at St Peter’s Church on November 16 at 1pm.

Those attending are asked to wear something pink/cerise, Gill’s favourite colour, in appreciation of her love of life. Family flowers only, donations can be made c/o Halliday’s Funeral Directors, and the proceeds of which to be split between the Alzheimer’s Society and Portishead Youth Club.