VILLAGERS today paid tribute to a pensioner who lost her fight for life after a road crash in Stowmarket.Betty Kenworthy , 75, of Battisford, died at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, on Friday night.

By Amanda Cresswell

VILLAGERS today paid tribute to a pensioner who lost her fight for life after a road crash in Stowmarket.

Betty Kenworthy , 75, of Battisford, died at West Suffolk Hospital, Bury St Edmunds, on Friday night.

Today friends and neighbours said Mrs Kenworthy was a popular figure who is remembered for her kindness.

Neighbour Susan Taylor, 52, said people were shocked and saddened to hear of hear of her death.

"She was a lovely lady," she said. "The sort of person who was always happy and contented."

Mrs Kenworthy, a widower of six years, died after the car she was driving was in collision with a white box van on Gipping Way at 6 am on Tuesday.

Her best friend, Alice Cooper, 78, also of Battisford, said: "She was a good pal. She was always thoughtful about everything. It ought not to have happened to her."

The two became close friends after Mrs Cooper's husband, Joe, died five years ago. His death was nine months after Mrs Kenworthy lost her husband, Norman.

"We were like sisters," said Mrs Cooper. "I will miss her dreadfully."

It was the second time Mrs Kenworthy was involved in a road crash.

She was injured in a road accident in Needham Market around ten years ago and spent several months in Ipswich Hospital.

"Norman had a black out and she took hold of the wheel and the car went into a wall," explained Mrs Cooper.

"She had to have her leg pinned."

Mrs Kenworthy lived in the village for 50 years and had close links with Little Finborough Church where she and Mrs Cooper went regularly to do the flowers.

"She was well thought of in the church and in the village," said Mrs Cooper. "She would have a laugh about anything and make a joke about different things. She was just a lovely person."

Neighbour Julie Pearson, 50, who visited Mrs Kenworthy in intensive care at the hospital, also paid tribute.

She said Mrs Kenworthy used to look after her ginger cat, Prince Harry, at weekends, who she adored. Ms Pearson said: "Betty was so fun and interesting and loved animals.

"Everybody is shattered by her death. It is just something we didn't expect."