A war bride known throughout Colne for her loving and caring nature has died.
Patricia Devereaux Macro, of Intakes Crescent, will be remembered for her fascinating background, and ability to always put others before herself.
More than 60 people attended her funeral, and now her sons Maurice and Ray have paid tribute to an “amazing” character who will be sadly missed by all who knew her.
The 86-year-old, who was the proud grandma of Samuel (23) and Charlotte (29), died suddenly at Airedale Hospital following a blood clot to her lung.
Maurice (66), from Cumbria, said: “She would have given her last penny away.
“Over the years her house was like Clapham Junction for people coming to visit her from around the world.”
And Ray (64), from Silsden, added: “We have had neighbours coming across saying it will never be the same again.
“She was very humble, and didn’t think much of materialism.
“Her philosophy in life was to give what she could. She was the wind that kept many people going, and she just didn’t realise what a rock she was.”
Mrs Macro, nee Johnson, had moved to war-time Britain after travelling on the HMS Victorious, a British naval ship. She had lived in Australia throughout her life, and even remembered the opening of the harbour bridge when she was just five-years-old.
She had fallen in love with sailor Kenneth Macro after visiting him in hospital, and had married him at her family home shortly after.
Upon moving to Colne, she found a fascination with the town’s cobbles and the amount of snow, and moved in to a small terraced property in Smith Street.
She gave birth to Maurice in 1947 and Ray in 1950, and after spending time as a housewife became a cleaner at a dental surgery.
The mum, who loved reading, local scenery, history, and receiving post cards when family and friends went travelling, retired in 1988.
Her husband had died when she was just 42, but just before her death she was delighted to receive an Arctic Star for his service in the navy during World War Two.
