MARY Butterwick, founder of the Butterwick Hospice movement in the North-East who died this week at the age of 91 will be laid to rest at a service in Stockton next week.

Mrs Butterwick's funeral will take place on Friday, October 9, at Stockton Parish Church, High Street, Stockton, at 10am.

Butterwick Hospice chief executive Graham Leggatt-Chidgey told The Northern Echo following her death on Wednesday: “Mary died peacefully. She just slipped away surrounded by her family.”

“As conscious as we are that we have lost our charity’s founder, Mary was also a much loved mother, grandmother and great grandmother and our thoughts are particularly with her family at this time.

"Although Mary had not been actively involved in the direction and management of the hospice for some 20 years, she always maintained a keen interest in its work.

"She leaves behind a magnificent legacy arising from her vision, personal sacrifice and tenacity in establishing the hospice 31 years ago which will continue to benefit the local population for many years to come.

Following the service refreshments will be available at Butterwick Hospice, Middlefield Road, Stockton. Mary’s family and Butterwick Hospice hope this reception will be well attended but have respectfully requested no flowers.