Jean Bruce, a former councillor, mayor and freeman of the borough has passed away at the age of 91.

Her daughter Lynne Powell described her as a “strong person” and someone who was “well known” within the Barking and Dagenham community, having worked on numerous committees within the council.

She said: “She was passionate about meeting people and the various committees she spoke on.

“She enjoyed the banter and arguing in a good discussion. She believed in what she was fighting for.”

Jean was born and brought up in Barking and formerly lived on Audrey Road in Ilford.

She was elected as a councillor for the Abbey Ward in 1974 and became the elected member for Valence Ward in 1986, where she remained until her retirement from the council in 2006.

She became mayor in 1986-87, during which time she raised funds to provide sports equipment for three special schools.

Towards the end of her mayoral year Jean was awarded the Freedom of the City of London.

The Mayor of Barking and Dagenham, Cllr Simon Bremner said: “I first got to know Jean when I was elected to the council in 1990.

“I found her a very friendly and helpful colleague who dedicated a long time of her life to the council. She will be sorely missed.”

Jean was also a keen sportswoman and played netball for most of her life.

She was a member of the Barking bowling club and used to play there with her husband Ron.

Before becoming a councillor, she taught PE at Fairlop Primary School and later taught at Redbridge Technical College, now known as Redbridge College.

Prior to that she was a telephone operator.

Lynne said: “She lived a full life and lived life to the full”

The funeral takes place on Monday, December 7 at 11.15am at Forest Park Crematorium, Hainault.

It will be attended by family and close friends but well-wishers are welcome to attend.

Flowers are not requested but people are welcome to make a donation to Saint Francis Hospice.

Jean leaves behind her daughter Lynne and a son Charlie who lives in Canada.