The family of a grandmother of nine who died last week have spoken about her extensive charity work and love of helping people.

Vera Thornton, an “exceptional, caring person”, was hit by a car while walking two dogs in Hartspring Lane, Bushey, on Wednesday January 20.

Her dog Stanley also died shortly after. Her son's dog Max was later found safe and well.

Vera's son Bob said: "Mum was an integral part of our family and we are very sad to have lost her. She was a loving person who was very energetic and had many friends.

“She was always ready to help others and regularly volunteered in the local community. She will be sadly missed by our family and many other people who came to know her.”

Vera was born 79 years ago in Lewisham, and grew up in Watford. At nine years old she was evacuated during World War Two to a farm in Wem, Shropshire, where she spent seven years.

After the war, and moving to Hemel Hempstead, she met husband Bryan. The couple married in 1953.

Vera's husband, who died in January 2008, bought a small cottage in Hartspring Lane and re-built it into the home where he and Vera would live from 1958 until the end of their lives.

Bryan built another house for his mother to live in, and with Vera's help, a large water garden.

The garden stayed opened for visitors for more than 25 years, collecting proceeds to donate to charity.

Vera was also an active supporter and fundraiser for many organisations, including the Bushey RNLI, The Red Cross, Christian Aid, St John the Baptist Church in Aldenham and many others.

She loved baking and enjoyed singing in several choirs, including the Chipperfield Choral society, Malcolm Sargent Choir and Harrow Choral society.

Sister Pat, and sister-in-law Julia, two daughters, Jayne, 50, and Mary, 43, two sons, Robert, 49, and Michael, 45, and nine grandchildren said they would miss Vera very much.

“Our mother was an exceptional, caring person who was driven to help people; she had many friends and would take in any waif and stray if they needed a bed.

“It wouldn’t be unusual to come home and find your bed had been given to someone else for the night.”

In her time Vera worked as a secretary at John Dickinson printers in Kings Langley, a Prudential insurance agent in Bushey and as the Registrar’s Secretary at Wall Hall Teacher Training College.

She also served on the board of governors at Fairfield School in Radlett and worked there as a volunteer library assistant whilst her grandchildren Georgina and James were attended the school.

Most recently, she worked part time at a local nursing home called Sunrise Senior Living.

Her funeral will be held at St John the Baptist Church, Aldenham, next Wednesday at noon.

A donation in Vera’s memory, which will be donated to Watford Peace Hospice and Aldenham Church, can be made to the family or to MK Ginder, Funeral Directors on Bushey Mill Lane.

The family would like thank members of Hertfordshire Constabulary and also to Medivet in Radlett who cared for Stanley.

They say their thoughts are also very much with the driver of the car involved in the accident.