Tributes to 'politician of the people' Catherine Sheldon
Tributes have today been paid to a former mayor who was known as a "politician of the people".
Catherine Sheldon, who served as mayor of Bridgnorth from 1995-96, died suddenly in hospital on May 31. She was 76.
Mrs Sheldon, known as Kit, served on the town and former district council for several years, as well as on many local organisations.
She was a trustee of the Bridgnorth General Municipal Charity – a housing association for people living near St Leonard's Church in Low Town – and was also a member of the Bridgnorth Liberal Democrats for many years.
Mrs Sheldon moved first to Oldbury, in 1965, and then to the Grove in Low Town, Bridgnorth, in 1967, from Bethnal Green, in London. Her daughter, Odile, said one of her proudest moments was meeting the Queen at Buckingham Palace in 1998. She said: "She was invited down as a member of the district council.
"My mum and I went down together and it was such a wonderful occasion, something she was very proud of.
"Everyone spoke to my mum locally because she was always there for them.
"Not a day went by when someone was not in the house asking for help or advice. She was a person of the people and that's the reason why she got into local politics. If people were worried about their homes or their living situation she wouldn't stop until it was sorted out."
Shropshire Councillor Christian Lea, who had known Mrs Sheldon for more than 20 years, said she would always be willing to listen to people's concerns. She was very highly thought of by the local community.
Mrs Sheldon leaves her husband, George, three children, Odile, Paul and Daryl, and five grandchildren.
Her funeral will take place in St Mary's Church on June 14, from noon.
It is family flowers only but donations will be taken for the Bridgnorth African Project and the Balloon Foundation UK.
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