A FORMER world war servicewoman who devoted decades of her life to the Poppy Appeal has been given a military send off.

The Union Jack flag was draped over the coffin of community stalwart Carmel Connolly at her funeral in Tudhoe, Spennymoor, County Durham, on Tuesday which was attended by around 200 people.

The Northern Echo: LEGEND: Carmel Connolly, of Spennymoor, has died aged 105

Much missed: Carmel Connolly

Family, friends and representatives from the Royal British Legion (RBL) gathered to pay their final respects to the 105-year-old who was described as a “leading light in the community”.

A long-standing supporter of the RBL, Mrs Connolly, of Spennymoor, died on January 26.

Danielle Neighbour, community fundraising manager for the RBL in the North-East, said: “Carmel Connolly was an incredible individual who sold more than a million poppies for the RBL.

“She dedicated more than four decades of her life to the Poppy Appeal. Carmel was an enthusiastic volunteer, serving the Legion well into her second century, and she will be sadly missed.”

A former member of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), she signed up at the outbreak of war and served at various air bases throughout the Second World War and experienced bombing raids by the Luftwaffe several times.

Mrs Connolly’s commitment to the RBL began in London where was a volunteer - something she continued when returning home.

She began fundraising for the charity around 1960, after attending a military parade in London for Armistice Day, and went on to raise thousands of pounds for the cause.

In 1988 she married her late husband Patrick Francis Connolly and the pair settled in Spennymoor.

Mourners fell silent at the Requiem Mass at St Charles’ RC Church as flags were raised and the Last Post sounded in honour of her life’s work. Mrs Connolly, who was born Maria Carmel Jackson in 1911, was remembered for her zest for life, sense of humour and unwavering kindness.

As well as her support to the RBL’s national campaign, Mrs Connolly was a churchgoer who until her death “prayed for the troubles of the day, people who were sick in the locality and children”.

One of her most treasured possessions was said to be a card from the Queen for her 100th birthday. In a reading, a loved one said: “She had an amazing life and was an amazing and generous, gentle woman.”

Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again played as pallbearers carried Mrs Connolly’s coffin out of the church.

Paul Harper, of the RBL Spennymoor Branch, said: “On behalf of Carmel’s extended family and the RBL Spennymoor Branch I would like to thank those who attended the funeral to honour Carmel and everyone who has supported her family.”

  • The Northern Echo attended the funeral with the family's permission.