Tributes have been flooding in following the death of a much-loved and well-known retired shopkeeper from Ulverston.

Di Duckworth, who ran Salmons Newsagents for more than 20 years with her late husband Keith, passed away aged 77 on Tuesday April 9 at St Mary’s Hospice.

Mrs Duckworth’s family described how she had become a devoted head of the family after losing Keith, her husband of 45 years in 2005.

Mrs Duckworth’s two daughters; Helen and Pamela, along with grandchildren David and Sara, have paid tribute to her life.

Mrs Duckworth, of Burlington Street, Ulverston, was known as a member and Ladies Captain at Ulverston Golf Club and enjoyed many years playing the game and competing in various competitions, which included her representing the county team.

The flag at Ulverston Golf club flag has been flying at half-mast as a mark of respect since her death was announced.

Following her husband’s death Mrs Duckworth retired from the golf club but continued to how her support as a social member and enjoyed the games evenings that were held during the winter months.

During her life Mrs Duckworth also became very involved with a number of charities; from helping with riding lessons for the disabled to assisting with swimming lessons for pupils of Sandside Lodge school.

Swimming was a passion for Mrs Duckworth, her family says, because unbeknown to many she swam competitively as a youngster for Rochdale where she grew up, and would often swim twice a day to train from the age of 11 to 16.

She also volunteered at a residential special school on a one to one reading programme, which she thoroughly enjoyed, and her commitment to the cause was shown by her 80-mile round trips to the school.

When the foodbank was launched in Barrow Mrs Duckworth became an active helper and gave up at least one day a week to work there.

After leaving the foodbank she volunteered with the WRVS at the health centre in Ulverston and went on to volunteer at St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston at the Living Well clinic.

She later told her family that her time at the hospice was the most rewarding thing she had ever done.

She chose to spend her final days at the hospice and her family has thanked the staff for the amazing care and attention they gave to her.

Mrs Duckworth’s daughters said that Ulverston and the Lake District were her passion and she enjoyed many holidays there with her friends and their dogs in her latter years. She felt very privileged to live here and be able to enjoy such a beautiful part of the world.