TEARS flowed freely from hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered for the funeral of popular Ipswich woman Michele Wood.

TEARS flowed freely from hundreds of well-wishers who had gathered for the funeral of popular Ipswich woman Michele Wood.

Cars filled the side roads off Cliff Lane in Ipswich as scores of people made their way to St Luke's Church to say a final farewell to Mrs Wood, 45, who was found dead on a farm in Nacton on March 26.

As her coffin was being carried into the church yesterday, her family followed, including her mother, Marlene Mann, who was overwhelmed with grief and had to be supported by her husband, Ken, and son Martin.

More than half-an-hour before the service began the church was already full, meaning that hundreds were left to gather outside and listen to the service, led by Reverend Paul Daltry, in the Spring sunshine via a loud speaker.

Flowers filled the church at the request of her family, who wanted to make the occasion a celebration of her life.

The Revd Canon David Meikle read a poignant tribute to Mrs Wood from her parents and brother, and one from her husband.

In a tribute, her parents and brother, said: “On March 23, 1963 we were blessed with the gift of a wonderful daughter who came into our lives like a ray of sunshine.

“We will always remember your wonderful smile. You are now at peace. We will love you for ever and ever.”

It was heard that as a child, Mrs Wood, a practice nurse from Ravenswood Medical Practice, loved to organise things, was competitive and had the ability to get things done in a caring way.

They also spoke about her love of family camping holidays and spending summer days in the beach hut in Dovercourt.

She was employed at Axa in Ipswich before training to be a nurse, and that was where she met her future husband Pete.

In a tribute, Mr Wood remembered that their wedding day, despite the rain, was the “happiest day of my life”. He also spoke about her love for rainbows.

He said: “She was the most caring person I have ever known. As a nurse, she always put her patients first. When helping friends, time was never an issue. She would always look at life from a positive viewpoint and she put her heart into everything she did. She was quick to love and slow to judge.

“Now I have not only lost a wife, but my closest friend, my confidante, my soul mate. I am certain that some day we will meet and be together in heaven again where there is no pain.”

She also leaves behind 20-year-old daughter Hannah, and 16-year-old son Ben.

Donations in memory of Michele can be made payable to FSH Donations Account, which will be divided between Rwanda Direct and Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, to be sent via Farthing Singleton and Hastings Funeral Service, Deben House, 650 Woodbridge Road, Ipswich, IP4 4PW.

Would you like to pay tribute to Mrs Wood? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk.