Colchester Scout veteran Mary Francis dies aged 80

Mary Francis, who lived in Stanway, died peacefully at her home at age 80.

She was involved with the Scouts for more than 60 years, becoming a Cub Scout leader at 18.

Moving to Colchester in 1969, she was Akela with the 9th Colchester Cub Pack, then with the 17th Colchester St John’s Pack for 28 years until 2007.

Trio - Mary with two members of the 17th Colchester St John's Pack (Image: Public)

She served for four years as the District Commissioner of Colchester East District Scouts and was a county adult leader trainer.

In 2006, Mary was presented with the Silver Wolf award by the Chief Scout, the highest award for an adult Scout leader, given "for services of the most exceptional character".

Smiles - Mary received her Silver Wolf award in 2006 from Chief Scout Peter Duncan (Image: Public)

She was just the 6th recipient and the first female to receive this award in Colchester. 

In 2007, she became chairman of the management committee at Thorrington Scout Camp, a role held for ten years.

Volunteer - The Gazette awarded Mary with its Community Hero award in 2015 (Image: Public)

Outside of Scouting, Mary was a magistrate for more than 30 years and served as chairman of the Youth Bench.

She was a trustee at charity Open Road for 20 years and a keen member of Inner Wheel, an international organisation linked to Rotary.

She also enjoyed volunteering at King’s Ford school, helping young people with reading.

The Gazette awarded Mary with its Community Hero award in 2015.

Fan - Mary was a keen follower of Colchester United (Image: Public)

In her working life, Mary helped teachers and pupils as a laboratory technician at Colchester County High School for Girls.

Despite being diagnosed with Vascular Dementia with Alzheimer’s in 2017, she would not be deterred from enjoying watching Colchester United home games and attending U3A’s ukulele group where she sang and played percussion.

She also sang in the St John the Baptist’s church choir in Layer de la Haye.

Her family said: “A loving mother of three and grandmother of six, Mary leaves behind Michael, her devoted husband of 61 years.

Loved - Cub Scouts gave Mary a guard of honour on her wedding day (Image: Public)

“Known as Supergran, Akela, Glary Mary, Madam, Nee or Granny Mary, she had a positive influence on the lives of so many people through her lifetime of volunteering.”

A private cremation service will be held followed by a celebration of Mary’s life at 3pm on March 5 at St John the Baptist’s Parish Church in Layer de la Haye.

Tributes and donations can be made at mary-francis-1943-2024.muchloved.com/.