HUNDREDS of mourners gathered yesterday to pay their respects to a popular Worcester woman.

A horse-drawn carriage laden with flowers carried Joyce Bluck through the streets of the city to the crematorium on Astwood Road.

The 87-year-old passed away peacefully at Worcestershire Royal Hospital on Thursday, November 4.

Mrs Bluck, of Wasdale Court, Warndon, had 12 children and 35 grandchildren spanning three generations.

The cortege left AV Band funeral directors in St Nicholas Street, before stopping at Mrs Bluck’s home, then heading to the crematorium at 3pm.

Family and friends paid tribute to the former seamstress by lighting candles during the service and enjoyed a carvery lunch at Bridges restaurant on Hindlip Lane after the funeral.

Her eldest daughter, Lorraine Coombs, aged 67, said: “She was a kind, caring and loving woman who would do anything for anyone. She was famous for her bread puddings and stews.”

Another daughter, Gloria Clinton, added: “She was a good time girl who had many, many friends.

“She always listened to other people’s problems but never took sides.”

The family have asked for donations in memory of Mrs Bluck to be made to the Cats Protection League, which can be sent to AV Band, 41 St Nicholas Street, Worcester, WR1 1UW.