A "magical" character and resident of Hopgrove, York, has died aged 78.

Joyce Farrow was born in Scarborough in 1925.

After leaving school she went into service and later moved to York.

She married James in Huntington Church in 1947, and the couple moved to Hopgrove, where Joyce quickly absorbed herself in all aspects of community life.

Joyce served on numerous committees, including the Women's Institute, Holy Trinity Church Parochial Church Council and the Stockton Village Carnival Committee.

She became church warden at the Holy Trinity Church, Stockton-on-the-Forest, and fulfilled her role by attending most services, and all weddings and funerals.

Other commitments included Meals on Wheels, Christian Aid, Stockton-on-the-Forest Methodist Chapel and Poppy Day collections.

Bryan Lawson, reader at Holy Trinity Church, said: "She was Holy Trinity Stockton. Everything you could think of, she was involved with. She was one of those magical characters that do a real life of service to the community."

Joyce died on May 19, following a stroke.

She leaves daughters Jane and Christine, a son, David, and grandchildren.

Updated: 11:08 Thursday, June 19, 2003