A MUCH-loved and well-respected councillor who served at town, district and county level and fought for the issues that mattered most in her local area, has died aged 73.

Caroline Seymour, from Kirkby-in-Cleveland, near Stokesley, was a devoted wife to John, mother to Tom, Hannah, Rosie and Patrick, and Nanny to ten grandchildren. She died on September 15 at home.

Originally from Reading, Mrs Seymour met her future husband while they were both studying at Newcastle University – he reading agriculture, and she economics. Mr Seymour said from their first meeting “that was it” and after graduating moved back to his native Stokesley to his family farm, White House Farm. They married in 1968.

Mrs Seymour was immensely proud of her four children, and delighted in celebrating their achievements as a family.

Mrs Seymour was a teacher both at Egglescliffe Comprehensive and later at Marton Sixth Form College, where she taught politics. It was there a colleague encouraged her to get involved in local politics with the Liberal Democrats.

She became a councillor in 1985 with Hambleton District Council, and later also North Yorkshire County Council. She became leader of the opposition at NYCC for 10 years, and after retiring from both councils in 2007 she was made an Honorary Alderman for both authorities.

She was part of numerous boards and committees, including North Yorkshire Combined Fire Authority, of which she was chairman; Crime Partnership; North Yorks Moors National Park; Local Government Association; director of Lacors; and Trading Standards.

The work she enjoyed most was mentoring, training and working with councillors to improve their scrutiny structures and skills.

Mr Seymour said his wife “loved being busy and was full of drive.”

He added: “She wanted to make a difference. Politically, this area is a big Tory area and things just roll through, but she started asking questions and she made things happen, whether it was a big or small issue.

“She loved being a councillor and the councils recognised that by making her Alderman. Even with councillors she did not agree with, there was a mutual respect.

“In Stokesley, she was very much involved in getting the play park completed. She was even emailing people from her hospital bed. She wanted to make sure the local Liberal Democrat party was organised and ready should there be an election. She still organised my life too, making sure I had a list of birthdays for the family. She didn’t want me to miss them.”

Mr Seymour said her family was always the most important thing to her, throughout her teaching and political careers.

He said: “We have followed them everywhere, and never missed a thing.”

The couple enjoyed many foreign holidays and adventures, and were also heavily involved in their local Round Table and Ladies’ Circle groups.

They have travelled together to Australia, India, South America, Sri Lanka and Cuba, and took a 4,000-mile caravan trip around the Baltics, taking in Germany, Latvia, Estonia and Poland.

Mr Seymour said: “That was a great adventure. A memorable, magical trip. We saw St Petersburg from the Russian border, visited Auschwitz in Poland, and took the caravan under Arnhem Bridge – it was a bit hairy getting it out again.”

The couple have been involved in Stokesley Show for 40 years, with Mr Seymour acting as steward and showing cattle. The couple were due to act as joint presidents at the show on Saturday, September 21, something Mrs Seymour had been greatly looking forward to as she would finally be able to enjoy it with her husband.

He said: “I was always working so Caroline had to walk around without me. This year we were meant to enjoy it together – but my children and grandchildren were there to support me.”

A celebration of her life took place on Tuesday, September 24 at St Peter and St Paul Parish Church, Stokesley, attended by about 300 people.

Baroness Angela Harris spoke about her political career, and her daughters Hannah and Rosie also spoke about her life.

The service included a song originally written by her children for her 70th birthday, called 'Caroline's Way'

Mr Seymour said: “They reworked the song 'My Way' and sang it together at her 70th party. Patrick changed the words and singer Cole Page performed at her service. It was incredibly special.”