THE life of fundraising champion Barbara Winrow was described as one of ‘kindness’ and of devotion to her family and friends.

Passing away on June 5 this year, Barbara left behind a lifetime of treasured memories with her loving husband Jack, and their three children, Mark, Paul, and Jane.

Born on July 30, 1940, in Walkden, Greater Manchester, Barbara met Jack in 1956 when the pair met in Bolton.

She was working as a trainee hairdresser while Jack was working as a telephone engineer.

After returning from his national service, in 1960 the pair married after four years together.

After living in Hyde, Kirkby Lonsdale and Endmoor the couple settled in Burton-in-Kendal with their children in 1981.

Jack described the 61 years of marriage with Barbara as ‘wonderful’.

He said: “We never argued. Not even once. People say all the best marriages have arguments but ours didn’t. She was just perfect.

“She was full of character and very well known in the community. Everyone loved her and she loved them.

“After 61 years of marriage, and 65 years together in total, it was all so wonderful.

“Last year we got a card from the Queen to mark it. Since she passed the support, we’ve had from the community has been very touching. The room was filled with cards from so many people who knew her.

“Together we did the fundraisers for the NSPCC, and we raised over £50,000 together. In 2017 we were invited to Buckingham Palace for tea with the Queen.

“She never stopped. She was always doing things. She was a very avid gardener and worked in the village shop for over 30 years. It made her very ingrained with the community.

“It’s been a difficult time. We miss her beyond words but she’s always in our thoughts. Forever and always.”

In 2017, Barbara and Jack were honoured for their fundraising which saw them generate £50,000 for charity between 1999 and 2017, averaging at £3000 a year.

Her son Mark described her as his ‘best friend’.

He said: “She was just such a wonderful person. Always putting other people before herself, every time.

“It’s been very difficult. It was so sudden and unexpected.

“It’s like losing your best friend. It really is.

Paul said: “We could not have had a better upbringing from her. She was an amazing mother, as well as a grandmother as well.

“It’s been difficult without her. We love you mum.”

Jack added: “It was a beautiful life together with no regrets and only happy memories.”