Family's tribute to former Bexhill mayor Frances Winterborn

Tributes have been paid to former Bexhill mayor Frances Winterborn, who died following a stroke on Saturday (April 2).
Bexhill Mayor Making 2013. 22/5/13
Mayor Frances Winterborn. ENGSUS00120130523062147Bexhill Mayor Making 2013. 22/5/13
Mayor Frances Winterborn. ENGSUS00120130523062147
Bexhill Mayor Making 2013. 22/5/13 Mayor Frances Winterborn. ENGSUS00120130523062147

Mrs Winterborn was mayor of Bexhill between 2013-14, but she was diagnosed with cancer midway through her term, forcing her to undergo gruelling chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.

Born in 1943 in Motherwell, Scotland, Mrs Winterborn moved south in the 1960s to train as a nurse at Pembury.

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The family moved several times before coming down to Hastings in 1986 where Mrs Winterborn resumed her nursing career at the now defunct Royal East Sussex Hospital.

She moved to Bexhill in 1993 and Mrs Winterborn took over the running and managing of Battle Carers, a day care centre for the elderly.

Son Doug Winterborn said: “My mum was always a battler, never keeping still always pushing forward ready to champion any cause she strongly believed in.

“She was very pro Bexhill and its people and as mayor was constantly coming up with ideas. Ideas that would help keep Bexhill on the map.

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“Her determination was often the deciding factor in winning her corner.

“As a Glaswegian she was sometimes outspoken and forthright, prepared to say what others were thinking.”

Mrs Winterborn was a huge supporter of Bexhill Caring Community.

The day she died, she had only a few hours earlier returned home from a meeting with them, discussing ideas to help promote the charity.

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Mrs Winterborn’s family say they have been ‘humbled’ by the support received following her untimely death.

She leaves behind a husband, two sons, five grandchildren, one step granddaughter and a brother.

Mrs Winterborn’s funeral will take place on Friday, April 15, at 11am at Hastings Crematorium. Family flowers only. Donations can be made to Bexhill Caring Community via A C Towner funeral directors.

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