MOURNERS were today due to gather for the funeral of Ipswich woman Kari Boto.Her family and friends were gathering at St Margaret's Church, in the town centre, after her shock death last week.

MOURNERS were today due to gather for the funeral of Ipswich woman Kari Boto.

Her family and friends were gathering at St Margaret's Church, in the town centre, after her shock death last week.

Mrs Boto, 53, of Park Lane, died after she went swimming at Felixstowe and drowned.

Tributes poured in from her family, including husband Tom, and children Kassalina, 25, Jonan, 22, and Tony, 18, colleagues at the BBC World Service Trust and friends she had made during working and volunteering in Africa.

The funeral was due to start at 11am today and the family said it would be “celebrating her life”.

Mr Boto thanked people who have been sending in tributes to his wife from across the world, including many from Ipswich.

He said: “Reading the tributes has been very much a source of comfort for our family.

“The tributes are amazingly moving and it's very good to know people are thinking of us.

“I thought I knew everything about my wife but even I'm being surprised at some of the comments about the legacies she has left behind which people are talking about.”

In a notice giving details of the funeral, the family said: “For the love and care she gave her family and all who knew her, and her enthusiasm and dedication at the BBC World Service, we see mum as achieving heights few people are capable of. We are so sad to have lost her prematurely.”

The family asked for no flowers, but donations to be made to Ogogoro Primary School, a Ugandan school supported by Mrs Boto, with cheques payable to Hunnaball of Ipswich, Dove House, 291 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 4BP.

N Kari, You always had a kind word for me, always telling me my work was appreciated. As a new member of staff then, it really meant a lot to me. As we say in Nigeri's Ibo language, 'Je N'udo' - Go in Peace.

Peter Okwoche, BBC World Service

N As my line manager when I became the BBC's Editor in Abuja, Kari did not just want to know about the BBC's work in Nigeria. She always had time to ask about myself and my then young daughter, having moved with her from London, and how we were settling down. And even after I returned to work in London and she stopped being my line manager, Kari would always express an interest in my work/future. She was a boss, a mentor, a friend rolled into one. Rest in peace, dear Kari.

Bilkisu Labaran, BBC African Service, London

N I read the news about Kari Boto with shock. I send my condolences to Mr Boto, Tom, and his family and hope they gain comfort from those thinking of them at this time.

Colleague, Ipswich Hospital

N I was shocked to hear about Kari and continue to think about her family and express my heartfelt condolences. Mr Boto gave me support and hope to fulfil my dream of becoming a mum and is a kind, lovely gentleman. Thoughts and Prayers X

Jane, employee, Ipswich Hospital

N To pay your tributes to Mrs Boto, go to www.eveningstar.co.uk and follow the link to the tribute section.