TRIBUTES have been paid to a Deeside woman who "spent a lifetime caring for others" after her tragic sudden death abroad on holiday.
Delia Roberts, better known as Dee, passed away on September 10 after developing an illness while on holiday in Turkey.
The 66-year-old had just retired after working a variety of roles for Flintshire Council, some of which included working as a dinner lady at Connah's Quay High, and helping to run playschemes in the town in the summer.
As a testament to her character, hundreds of people paid tribute to her on social media after news broke of her death.
Her son, Damion, paid the following tribute: "Mother, sister, aunty and unfortunately a grandmother that wasn't meant to be.
"Loved by many in the community and friends from the various jobs she had.
"She raised me on her own so technically she's my dad too. All would agree that we could fill the paper with her memories, from legendary garden parties to adventures away, visiting the family in Australia where her late sister, Davna, lived. She was always the life of the party and had time for anyone.
"Blackpool and Turkey were her favourite places, the latter of which was ultimately her final destination. She always loved a gossip on her many walks through millions of charity shops and day trips. She will be missed by all."
Flintshire Council's play development officer, Janet Roberts, said: “Delia has been an integral member of our summer play team, seemingly forever. She was a lovely lady, very friendly, with time for everyone.
"Although she had recently retired from her ‘day-job’, Delia was determined to work this summer with the children at Connah’s Quay playscheme. Delia was always the ‘go-to’ at playscheme for children needing plasters, a drink or some reassurance.
“We have seen through all of the recent social media posts and heard first-hand from our team how well-liked and respected Delia was.
“Our thoughts are of course with Delia’s family and friends. She will be missed.”
Connah's Quay town councillor, Bernie Attridge, added: "I was devastated to hear of the passing of Delia who was my first teacher I could remember at Dee Road Infant School when I was four years old.
"Dee had just finished the summer quay play scheme on Central Park before going on holiday, she sadly never came home. Dee spent a life time caring for others and will be sadly missed."
Her friend, Lynne Chick, also paid a touching tribute to her: "I can't believe you have gone, Dee. I know you touched the hearts of so many. Such a beautiful, lovely lady. You will always be remembered for your smile, your ability to make people feel at ease and giggle so much.
"I know you will be missed by so many."
Her funeral will be held at St Marks Church in Connah's Quay at 10.30am on October 11. Attendees are politely encouraged to wear animal print (ideally leopard print) as Dee loved it and it’s what she would have wanted. Donations taken at the church will be split between local charities.
A GoFundMe page to help give her a special send off has so far raised over £1,200. To donate to it, please visit https://gofund.me/afe1c4ca
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