One of Havering’s oldest residents has died aged 105.

Emily Ansell, of Alderborough Road, Upminster, died on Saturday.

Her daughter, Josie Travell said: “We are all so proud of her because she was such a good person.

“She never had a bad word to say about anyone and she was always there for us.”

Born in 1906 in Dagenham, most of her early years were spent helping her mum to make soups so that they could be sold to people.

During her 20s she worked as a nurse maid but gave it up in 1926 when she married the love of her life, George.

Josie said: “She was just from an ordinary working class family, but whenever she spoke about her past she always put her long life down to her lovely husband and, most importantly, a very loving family life.”

In the early 1940s, Mrs Ansell and George moved to Upminster where they lived together until his death in 1980.

She then took up an active role in the community.

Josie said: “She was very independent, even when she got to 100.

“She used to enjoy going to Romford Market because it brought back lots of memories for her.”

Ten months ago, Mrs Ansell moved to a nursing home in Pitsea due to ill health.

Josie said: “She really missed Upminster but we had no other option than to put her in a home.

“We are really proud of her because there was nothing medically wrong with her and she was not on any medication, she was just an inspiration to all of us.”

Mrs Ansell’s funeral will be next Friday at The Corbets Tey Crematorium.