A centenarian who was a pillar of the community in Long Eaton has been described as a "people person", as tributes are paid following her death.
Mary Dickson was an active member of a number of community groups in Long Eaton, and also worked tirelessly to support charities.
She lived in the town for most of her life, but died from pneumonia on February 7.
Her son, Clive, said she was a people person, a fighter and lively individual.
He said: "She was vibrant and busy right up to her 100th birthday, and 140 people turned up for her party. She loved to travel, and her favourite place was Jersey. We went last year and had planned to again this year."
At the party, she said: "I always try to think positively and keep myself busy. It's been a pleasure to serve my family and friends."
Mrs Dickson was born in Ilkeston, and her father was lace manufacturer Edwin Clarke. She married her husband, John, on June 2, 1941. Mr Dickson died in 1995.
She became a familiar face in the community of Long Eaton after working at the former Oxford café and restaurant and as a secretary and teacher at the former Eaton Vale Training Centre in Briar Gate and Granville Avenue Adult Training Centre.
Mr Dickson, who is also a teacher and lecturer, added: "I was inspired by her work, particularly with adults, to move into teaching and lecturing.
"She was very much a people person."
She was also a member of the Erewash Conservative Association and a member of Christ Church Methodist Church for more than 60 years.
June Parkinson, from Erewash Conservative Association, said Mrs Dickson would be sadly missed by all those in the party.
She said: "She had been an active member for many years.
"It was only Monday the week that she passed away that she was down to attend a function in Erewash.
"She was really active right to the end and we are very sorry to hear about her death."
Mr Dickson, 60, said his mother was a fighter, and had fought through three bouts of pneumonia last year, before finally falling to the illness earlier this month.
He added: "She had been ill for about a week but she was a fighter and she was always fighting off whatever was in her way.
"It is a reflection of the way she was, particularly as a public speaker.
"She always looked to fight for what she believed in."
