Tributes paid to Joan Sadler, who has died aged 92

Joan Sadler's death came after she recently attended an afternoon tea at the Mansion House, held in her honour by the Lord Mayor, Cllr Ian Gillies.

Cllr Gillies said he had wanted to recognise the work she had done for the city over many year and he was now most saddened to hear about the passing of a 'wonderful lady.'

He said: "She gave her time and skills and passion to so many organisations and charities in the city.

"Whilst Joan had been recently taken ill, I know she was hoping to have attended the Community Carol Concert at the Barbican on Sunday.

"Joan had been on the organising committee for many years, and was a true supporter of this event and so many other community events in York – making her a real ‘friend of York’."

A memorial concert to celebrate her life and work is set to be held at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre in the spring.

Joan, who died peacefully after a short illness at St Leonard’s Hospice, was president of the Rowntree Players,a life member of York Amateur Operatic Society and a supporter of organisations including the Joseph Rowntree Theatre,York Stage Musical Theatre, York Light Opera, New Earswick Musical Society, Music Night Concert Group, York Musical Society York Philharmonic Choir, Shepherd Group Brass Band, York Railway Institute Band and Fanfare Brass.

She also worked for the Multiple Sclerosis Society for almost five decades, becoming vice-president of the York branch and sitting on the society’s national council in London.

She was born with her twin sister Joyce in Swinegate in 1922 and went to Castlegate school and then Priory Street school before starting work at Rowntree’s and then transferring to Cooke ,Troughton & Simms, later to become Vickers Instruments.

A longstanding friend, Mike Grimes, said: "Joan Sadler was just the most wonderful lady, kind hearted and loving, a shoulder to cry on, a real doer. She was a pleasure to know and call a friend , She was just so much to so many , a true lady."