A WELL-KNOWN businesswoman, teacher and volunteer who later turned her hand to bellydancing has died, aged 89.

“Proud Maldonian” Mary Joy Lees, nee Nicholls, passed away after suffering a pulmonary embolism.

She died at Manor Lodge Care Home, in Chelmsford, having spent a short time in Broomfield Hospital.

Mrs Lees had been a resident at Manor Lodge for more than ten years and was happy there – usually laughing and popular with the staff.

She always enjoyed the daily activities, despite suffering from dementia.

Mrs Lees was born in Maldon in 1930 and went to the town’s grammar school.

She was the daughter of Harry and Gladys ‘Jo’ Nicholls, who owned cycle, motorbike, toy and pram shop HG Nicholls and also Central Garage – now Riverside Cycles and Shaun Baker Car Care – in Maldon High Street.

The businesses had previously been owned and operated by her grandfather, George William Nicholls.

Mrs Lees a sister, Patricia, known as ‘Pat’ or ‘Trish’, who was three years younger.

She died in America last year. The pair were fondly known as the ‘Nicholls girls’.

Mrs Lees trained as a secretary and worked before travelling to the States and Canada.

She eventually married and settled in Calgary, in Canada, with husband Bill and they had two children, Joanna and Paul.

Mrs Lees continued to keep in contact with friends and family both at home and abroad, returning to Maldon in 1968 when her father died.

She lived with her mother and helped her run the businesses.

Despite working hard and having two small children, she still found the energy to study at teacher training college.

After qualifying, she took up her first teaching role in 1972 – teaching typing and office practice at the Plume Upper School where she stayed until retiring.

She enjoyed teaching and using the skills she had developed as a secretary.

Following her retirement, Mrs Lees volunteered for various organisations, including Maldon Citizens Advice Bureau.

She loved to help people and took on the role with enthusiasm and commitment.

She enjoyed belly dancing, which she took up when she was into her late 60s to keep fit and socially active.

She put on a number of shows and was proud to have her photo published in the paper.

Living in Tenterfield Road, Mrs Lees was often seen in the High Street where she liked to stop and chat.

Dementia gradually took her memories, but she will be remembered for her caring nature and a desire to help others.