Hundreds attend former councillor's funeral (From Watford Observer)

Hundreds attend former councillor Ivy Young's funeral in Abbots Langley

5:30pm Monday 18th February 2013 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Hundreds of mourners gathered in Abbots Langley this morning to pay their respects to former parish councillor Ivy Young.

Members of the Royal British Legion led the funeral processions of Ivy Young, 82, who died on Saturday, February 2 after her health deteriorated following a stroke in November last year.

Friends, residents and councillors gathered as her coffin, draped in a United Kingdom flag was led into St Lawrence Church in Abbots Langley. During the service, her friend Dan Dark paid tribute to a remarkable lady with a colourful history.

He said Ms Young was like a grandmother to his children and was "never one to do things by halves".

Fellow parish Councillor Keith Williams paid tribute to "the longest serving parish councillor" who was dedicated to the village and heavily involved on the planning committee.

Ms Young was born at her house in Langley Lane, where she lived her whole life and threw herself into all village events.

She was a parish councillor for more than 18 years and most recently chairman for planning at Abbots Langley Parish Council.

As well as throwing herself into village decisions, Ms Young was secretary of the Abbots Langley Royal British Legion branch for 23 years, village firework, carnival and Citizens Advice Bureau committee member and a member of The Royal Air Forces Association (RAFA).

Also the vice chairman of the Abbots Langley Cricket Club, Ms Young could often be spotted at league games at the weekend.