TRIBUTES have poured in for Vera Latham of Bolton, who passed away on February 18 at the age of 92.

Vera was the beloved wife of the late Roy, and an adored mum to Ann, Keith, Ian, Martyn, Adrian and the late Janis.

She was also a much-loved grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunty and mother-in-law - as well as a friend and inspiration to many.

Born and raised in Bolton, Vera lived in the Halliwell area in her early years. After leaving school, she worked as a shorthand secretary. She married Roy in 1950 and they brought up their family on the Johnson Fold estate.

She continued to work part-time after having children, working in fish and chip shops on the Johnson Fold estate and on Chorley Old Road.

Vera was an active church member and her life revolved around the church community. She attended the Harvey Street Methodist Church in Halliwell, where she was on the committee and helped with everything from the finances to the catering, and later on attended Bolton’s Triangle Community Methodist Church.

As a young woman, Vera was a keen rounders player, and as her children grew up, she began to relax by doing cross-stitch and puzzles.

Although unable to travel much when their family was young, in their later years together Vera and Roy were able to enjoy trips overseas, taking in Rhodes, Lake Garda and what was formerly Yugoslavia.

She adored spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who all looked up to her. She was also very popular at Glenbank Care Home, where she spent the last two years of her life. The family would like to thank the staff for their kindness and empathy.

Vera’s son Keith paid a touching tribute to his mother, saying: “Everybody thinks their mum is the best in the world, don’t they? I don’t think we are any different.

“You never ever saw my mum without a smile on her face. She will be so fondly remembered, she was such a nice person.

“You never heard a bad word from my mum.”

Vera will be laid to rest on March 8.