A great grandmother who was "well respected and loved" by the Bushey community has died.

Freda Brown, who once ran the green grocers in the High Street and in Herkomer Road, passed away on Wednesday, May 13.

The 86-year-old was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma shortly after Christmas - a rare cancer which develops in part of the immune system.

Mrs Brown, who lived in Chiltern Avenue, did not want to have treatment for the cancer, instead, she told her family that she wanted to "die in her own home and own bed".

Her son, Roy Brown, 60, said: "She's the best Mum anyone could have and her grandchildren adore her.

"She was always trying to help people - she gave my friends and brothers friends jobs at the grocers and looked after them - she really was well respected and loved."

Mrs Brown, who worked until she was 84, also ran a stall in Watford Market, has been described as being "great with customers."

Mr Brown added: "At Christmas time, we'd have queues going as far as the Red Lion pub in the High Street."

The mother of two, grandmother of six and great grandmother of seven, was originally from Scotland. She moved to Bricketwood with her family during the 1930s where she grew up, before relocating to Bushey after getting married in the 1950s.

Her son talked of how during the war, his mother used to be part of the Tommy Hunt band, and they would go out to the hospitals and sing for injured soldiers.

"Everyone knew her and everyone loved her," he said.

"She will be missed deeply.

"She was a very hardworking woman all her life. My Mum and Dad worked together running the grocers and I don't think he could have done it without her."

In her final days Mrs Brown was looked after by her two daughter-in-laws and Mr Brown said he thanks them for being by her side at all times.

The funeral will be held on Thursday, May 28 at St James Church in Bushey at 11.30am.