The funeral of a woman killed in a Penrith house fire will be held today.
Hilda May Lee, 85, was found dead in her home on Willow Close at around 11.30am on January 24.
For over an hour, three fire engines fought the blaze alongside crews from the ambulance service, but to no avail.
“It’s absolutely devastating,” said her daughter Margaret Lee.
“It really was a tragic, sudden death — she was quite a well woman, fairly healthy and active.”
One of Hilda’s carers discovered the blaze but was too late to save her.
“She was extremely well known in Penrith and was thoroughly involved in groups like the Soroptomists and the Lions Club,” added Margaret.
“She was highly respected in town, too. Everyone that knew her thought she was a hell of a woman.”
Hilda grew up in Garsdale, near Sedbergh, and was one of six children.
She worked for the NHS in the south of the county, before moving to Penrith around 45 years ago to set up her own business.
A practising chiropodist, Hilda had premises on Great Dockray and only gave up working at around 80 years of age.
Known for her tenacity, Margaret joked that if someone missed an appointment then Hilda would let them know about it.
Beyond work, Hilda had a whole host of interests.
Her daughter added: “Everything she did — be it art, chiropody, or music — she did it to absolute perfection.
She was a very strong willed and focused woman.”
One such interest was playing the bagpipes.
A skilled musician, Hilda would visit Penrith’s care homes and hospitals annually to pipe in the new year, and was often paid to play at weddings or Burns’ Night celebrations.
As well as this, she was a talented artist and particularly excelled with her watercolours.
This was her main love but she could also often be found sewing, cooking or drawing.
“She was always there for me whenever I needed her,” said Margaret. “She was my rock.”
Hilda is survived by her two daughters and four grandchildren.
For anyone who wishes to pay their respects, a celebration of Hilda’s life will take place at Low Smithy Methodist Church, in Garsdale (LA10 5PF) today at 11am.
Walkers Funeral Directors, Penrith, are in charge of arrangements and will be collecting donations in aid of the Fire Fighters’ Charity.
