Colleagues described Mary Taylor as 'one of the unsung heroes of local democracy' – someone who never sought the accolades of public office for herself, but who gave freely of her time to support her party’s candidates.

Mary was a volunteer helper in almost every Liberal Democrat election in Watford since the 1960s. She held the key role of membership secretary, knocking on thousands of doors to encourage voters to support or join the party and even to stand for office, including former Mayor Baroness Dorothy Thornhill.

Mary, along with her husband John, who died in 1995, kept the Liberal flame alive when political times were hard and challenging. Their home was the hub of numerous party activities including meetings, social events, and being the distribution centre for all leaflets, something Mary herself organised, having developed an encyclopaedic knowledge of Watford’s letterboxes. Her long, selfless service was recognised by an award from the Liberal Democrat national party.

She also enjoyed an active life outside politics, particularly through her enthusiasm for walking, mountaineering and nature. Even into her tenth decade, she would set out on adventurous holidays in far-flung parts of the world. She was a member of Friends of Cassiobury Park, participating in their regular litter picks. Mary was also a volunteer hospital driver, wryly remarking that she increasingly found herself driving people much younger than her to their appointments.

Former Mayor of Watford Baroness Thornhill said: “Mary and her husband recruited me to the party and encouraged me and others to “go for it”!

“In her quiet understated way, she was a real mainstay for the party in Watford and her legacy is where we are today.”

Mayor Peter Taylor said: “Mary was a kind and dedicated person, who was selfless in helping others without seeking any recognition for herself.

“Even when I visited her during her final illness, she kept saying she didn’t want to be fussed over. Yet she will be greatly missed by everyone associated with Watford Liberal Democrats.”

Mary’s funeral will be held at St Luke’s Church, Langley Way on Thursday, March 31 at 11.30am.

Leave your tribute to Mary via the link below.