By Margaret Crosby

Last updated at 12:39, Tuesday, 30 October 2012

The funeral has been held of a woman who has died just weeks after celebrating her 100th birthday.

Rita Stewart: She died surrounded by family

Rita Stewart died at her home in Trinity Court, Whitehaven, surrounded by her family.

She had been thrilled to reach 100 and receive a card from the Queen.

She was the daughter of Clara and James Steele of Cleator Moor, and wife of the late William Stewart of Wath Brow.

Rita and William, a postal inspector with the GPO, had latterly lived at Headlands Drive, Hillcrest.

She is survived by her son Keith, daughter Christine, four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

As a child Mrs Stewart attended Montreal Girls’ School, leaving at 14 to start work in her uncle’s grocery shop.

During the war she was manager of Stead & Simpson’s shoe shop in King Street, and returned to work there after her children grew up.

A funeral service was held at Distington Hall yesterday. Donations in Rita’s memory can be made to St James Mothers Union, c/o Eaves, Kells.

First published at 12:37, Tuesday, 30 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk