TRIBUTES have been paid to a "caring and outgoing" great-grandmother who tragically died behind the wheel of her car.

As reported, Joyce Phillipson, 83, of Marquis Avenue, New Waltham, was on her way home from a doctor's appointment last Friday when she suffered a major heart attack at the wheel of her Vauxhall Corsa. She passed away the following day at Grimsby's Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital.

Today, her daughter and granddaughter have paid tribute to a "generous lady" who spent much of her life volunteering to help her local community.

A former New Waltham parish councillor, Joyce also ran a luncheon club for Help The Aged in the village hall, worked as a church warden, acted as a school governor and as a volunteer for Age Concern.

She received a long-service award and was invited to meet the Queen Mother for her role in the Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS) and was also both president and secretary of New Waltham Women's Institute.

Granddaughter Rebecca Burns said: "She was keenly involved in the WI and WRVS for a number of years and was a key part of the community and had a great number of friends.

"She was incredibly outgoing and loved to travel.

"I remember her meeting me and my husband in America when she was 73 and we took her to the Grand Canyon, Las Vegas and she went whale watching.

"She also went to New Zealand on her own when she was 75."

Born in Cleethorpes, Joyce attended Carr Lane school before starting work at Tickler's Jam Factory when she was 14. She later held telephonist and receptionist roles at a number of local companies, ending her career at Bloomer's Solicitors.

In 1952 she married Paul Phillipson, at Old Clee Church, and the couple went on to have one daughter, Paula.

After retired electrician Paul passed away in 1997, Joyce threw herself further into working for the community and enjoying her many hobbies – which included keep-fit, gardening and kurling.

She also enjoyed spending time with her family, especially great-grandsons Mackenzie, 5, and Blake, 3.

Paula, who lived with her mum in New Waltham in the later years of her life, said: "Joyce was a very proud lady and would always help out anybody who was in need.

"She was very independent, but you always knew she cared.

"She was a wonderful and unique lady, and will be fondly remembered."

Donations in Joyce's memory should be made to either DebRA, at www.debra.org.uk, or Jerry Green Dog Rescue, at www.jerrygreendogs.org.uk

Funeral details

Joyce's funeral will take place at Grimsby Crematorium on Monday, from 1pm.

To pay your tributes to Joyce or any other lost loved one, visit www.thisisannouncements.co.uk Family announcements can also be read from page 26 of today's paper.