The family of an 'extraordinary' woman has paid tribute to her, following her passing at the age of 104. 

Joan Capel, from Wrexham, passed away at Ashleigh Court Residential Home on September 19, aged 104.

Joan was the beloved wife of the late Bruce and Clifford, mother of Helen, fond Mother-in-law of Gordon, treasured grandma of Alison and Peter, great-grandma to Jack and Morgan Isabella.

She had enjoyed a number careers including one with the RAF as well as admin roles at Oswestry School, Wellington College and Ellesmere College. 

Joan had been the centre of a previous story with the Leader, as she shook off covid at the age of 102. 

Messages and cards poured in from the local community, which showed the regard in which people held her.

Now her granddaughter, Ali Telfer, has paid tribute to her.

She said: "My Grandma died on the day of the Queen's funeral, somehow that was very fitting as she was very much my queen.

"Many people would believe she was extraordinary because of her incredible age but really living so long was only the tip of the iceberg.

"Locals would possibly know Grandma either through her many years of work as a steward at Erddig, and then as she got into her 90s, at the Erddig bookshop which she helped set up, where she combined her love of Erddig and her love of books.

"Grandma was larger than life. Often referred to as eccentric, I realised as I got older she was a strong woman who wasn't bound by convention. She was an exceptionally intelligent woman who would think about something for a minute and then decide if she didn’t see a problem, she'd do it.

"She had a wicked sense of humour and a mischievous look in her eye.

"Grandma was my cheerleader. She made sure I took every opportunity that came my way – regretting that lack of confidence had stopped her taking some of her own. She was delighted and super proud when my brother and I both went off to university. 

"She wasn’t a gushy grandma, I don’t remember cuddles and hugs or excessive ‘I love you’s’ but I always just knew. 

"As news of Grandma’s death has spread lots and lots of people have messaged mum and I, sending condolences, recounting their memories of her, and wishing that she rest in peace – somehow I think that resting anywhere is the last thing Grandma will be doing.

"Whatever the next thing is she will be off having the adventure of another lifetime."

WREXHAM NEWS