A GRIEVING husband has today paid tribute to his charity worker wife, who was one of the shining stars of the Red Cross in Ipswich.Eileen Cross, 72, died last week after being diagnosed with a brain tumour just three months earlier.

A GRIEVING husband has today paid tribute to his charity worker wife, who was one of the shining stars of the Red Cross in Ipswich.

Eileen Cross, 72, died last week after being diagnosed with a brain tumour just three months earlier.

She was well known in Ipswich and the surrounding areas for her charitable work.

Her husband, Frank, said: “She really was a people person and that was evident throughout her life.

“Even after she retired she continued to help people and there was never any question of her giving it up, although she had started to talk about cutting back on some of the work.”

Mrs Cross was involved with the Red Cross for 37 years, most recently as centre organiser for the organisation's base in Chevalier Street.

Mr Cross, who lives in north east Ipswich said: “She helped to get the new building established and organised and we were very involved in the fundraising for it.

“She was particularly proud of the medical loans service, which helps people out with things like wheelchairs.”

Mrs Cross, worked as a nurse in Ipswich throughout her life. After completing her training at the Anglesea Road wing of Ipswich Hospital she continued to develop her career by becoming very involved with the training of other nurses.

The couple lived in Ipswich throughout their married life and have two children, Simon and Jane, and three grandsons.

Mrs Cross was born in Alderton and was due to be buried there today after a private funeral service.

Mr Cross said: “We wanted this service to be fairly small with just close friends and family but we know there will be a lot of people who do want to pay tribute to her so we are organising a service of thanksgiving at Christchurch in Ipswich for everyone that knew her.”

The family have requested no flowers but asked that any donations are made to the Somersham Ward.

Mr Cross said: “They really were fantastic. We spent Eileen's last 12 weeks there and they went way beyond what they had to do.

“We'd like to be able to repay them in some way and help others in the future.”

The thanksgiving service will take place on January 14 at 11am. Donations should be sent to Somersham Ward Support Group, c/o the treasurer, Christchurch, Tacket Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AU.

n. Were you helped by Mrs Cross in her charity work? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or email eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk