TRIBUTES have been paid to an "out-and-out people person" who died of coronavirus.

Margaret Kimber, 85, who is a great grandmother to 17 children, passed away after a short battle with the illness.

It was her decision not to go to hospital and on April 22, at Bethany Care Home in Tadley, her death was reported.

Ms Kimber's daughter, Eunice Foundling, told the Chronicle: "She is known by so many people and was an out-and-out people person.

"She was known by so many people across the whole county and not just as a face – she was somebody that did amazing things for a lot of people."

A tribute from Ms Kimber's family says: "Margaret Kimber, mum, grandma, granny, friend and aunty – so many titles – all expressing something of her amazing qualities.

"As a girl of seven in London, she accepted Jesus as her Saviour, confessing her sin and asking Him into her heart.

"After moving to Crawley to begin married life, and even with the challenges of a large family and farming life, she taught Sunday School, had constant visitors and still found time to help others.

"Later, as the children left home, she ran a bed and breakfast – chatting to people from countries and cultures, about England, local history and language. Later she would join the Crawley walks.

"Moving to Winchester, her same friendly character encouraged those she met, at the bus stop, in their homes, it didn’t matter, for mum, people were what counted.

Her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great grandchildren all benefitted from her love, advice and fantastic sense of humour.

"Eventually, when family could no longer support her, she moved to a care home. On April 22 2020 after a short illness with Covid-19 she was called into the presence of Her Saviour in whom she trusted.

"She’ll be greatly missed by all who knew her, including her children, Philip, Jonathan, Rachel, Louise, Eunice and Timothy and their respective families."