A 104-YEAR-OLD, who was thought to be Royston’s oldest woman, has died.

Catherine Scoffins, who was born in 1913, lived through both World Wars and resided at Oakwood Grange Care Home in Royston until she died of pneumonia on December 28.

Formerly of Meadow Road, mum-of-two Catherine lived in the village for most of her life, having emigrated from Canada as a youngster.

Daughter Rachel West said: “My mum’s had a hard life but her faith kept her strong. Her family helped found Bethel Church in Royston so that’s been a key part of it.

“She was doing very well up to her last few months and still went shopping twice a week on Wednesdays and Saturdays without fail. She wasn’t an ordinary 104-year-old - she was alert and lived independently until a year ago.”

Catherine, who worked as a children’s nurse and a bus conductress, will have her funeral taken by Pastor Joy Gascoigne, of nearby Grimethorpe Pentecostal Church, on Thursday.

“Mum will be sadly missed,” Rachel added. “She reached an extraordinary age and always made the best of what she had.”

Her funeral will be held at Grimethorpe Pentecostal Church on Thursday at 11.15am, conducted by Pastor Joy Gascoigne.