A former councillor will be missed not just in her community but in the US, South America and the West Indies.

Former Three Rivers District Council councillor and chairman Alicia Nena Spellen died on June 14 aged 80.

Mrs Spellen, known as Nena, was married to fellow Labour councillor Ron Spellen, who died in May.

The couple were known in the area as a political duo, although Mrs Spellen served as a councillor for longer than her husband.

Originally from Guyana, they were known in Three Rivers for their devotion to community causes, but had an international outlook.

Mrs Spellen's niece Gemma Wilson described her as "a pillar of the community" everywhere she lived.

Miss Wilson said: "Nena will not only be missed by her immediate family, but with relatives, friends and former colleagues all over the world, she will be remembered as far as the US, South America and the West Indies."

Born on August 24, 1935, Nena was the eldest of three and came from a family of politicians.

Her grandfather, Dr JB Singh, was a member of the legislative council in British Guyana and supported the needy, while her father, Jai Narine Singh, was a fervent socialist and actively provided support for the working man.

MissWilson said: "It was no surprise that she followed in their footsteps by joining the Labour party and working for the people in all manner of ways.

"She always strived to do her best for the community, whether it be finding suitable housing for a less fortunate family, or protecting the local parks and nature reserves, she always listened to what the people around her wanted and fought hard for them.

"Representing Three Rivers gave her the chance to tackle all sorts of issues, meet a variety of people show support for countless organisations."

She met her husband in Guyana, and followed him to the UK in 1963, after Mr Spellen moved in 1962 to study electrical engineering.

The couple first lived in Muswell Hill, north west London.

She started her working life as a librarian in Guyana. In the UK she resumed her career at Hornsey Library, going on to work at St Charles Hospital Group as an administrator as well as many other positions of responsibility. Her last job as an administrator at LSE, from which she retired.

The family moved to Burnt Oak, Edgware in 1973 before moving to Muirfield Road, South Oxhey in 1981.

As well as her political work, Mrs Spellen volunteered and baked for school fairs and charity events.

Miss Wilson said: "As a loving mother, caring grandmother, aunt and great aunt, her sons will remember her formidable cooking. She blended traditional cooking from where she grew up in Guyana, South America, with English dishes that she learned to make herself here in the UK.

"She wasn’t only known for her cooking by her family, people would travel far and wide to taste her baked goods. She had a very generous heart and was forever entertaining, inviting people into her home and spreading her kind-hearted nature with all that she touched."

Although a devout Methodist, Mrs Spellen came from a multicultural background and followed many religions, including Hinduism and Catholicism. She would describe herself as religious and she and her husband, would observe many of the festivals and celebrations enjoyed by a number of faiths.

Mrs Spellen passed away peacefully at River Court Nursing Home in Watford.

She leaves four sons and five grandchildren.

Her funeral will take place at West Herts Crematorium on Saturday, July 9 at 11.30am