Maryport is mourning the loss of a woman described as a “compulsive volunteer”.

Anne Greggains, 67, of Dearham Road, was a health campaigner, a teacher, a volunteer and a tireless worker for her community.

Maryport Town Council chairman Angela Kendall described her as a stalwart and “a very kind woman who will be much missed”.

Born in Kendal, she came to Maryport to teach at Camp Road Junior School in 1970. She married Norman Greggains in 1980 and had daughters Natalie and Elizabeth.

Natalie was born with Aicardi syndrome, epilepsy and learning difficulties. Mrs Greggains retired early to look after her but still had energy to care for her community. She was chairman of Maryport Health Services Patient Participation Group for many years and a campaigner for patients’ needs. She latterly joined the Save Our Beds Campaign even though she was already ill with cancer.

She also organised Maryport Meals on Wheels.

When she retired from formal teaching, Mrs Greggains continued as a volunteer teaching reading to the residents of Alneburgh House, which was then a residential home for disabled people.

She and Celia Underwood taught Sunday School at St Mary’s Church for about eight years and organised the holiday play scheme at Netherhall School. She was Brown Owl to a Brownie pack, leader of the YWCA youth club at Solway House and belonged to Seaton WI.

Through Natalie she became involved in Mayfield School where she served as a chairman and trustee. She was a trustee at West House, the organisation which now looks after Natalie. She was also an officer and committee member for Cumbria Mencap and a committee member and organiser with local Barnardo’s volunteers.

Her priority, though, was the care and love of her family. In a tribute, her family said she had the ability to make friends and keep them for life. She loved gardening, patchwork, sewing, reading and caring for everyone. She was also known for her letters of encouragement and support.

She is survived by her husband and daughters.