Tributes paid after ex-mayoress Lyn Staffiere dies, aged 61

Tributes have been paid to a former Walsall mayoress and long-standing school governor who has died aged 61.

Mother-of-three Lyn Staffiere was today described as an "exceptional woman". She served as mayoress to Short Heath councillor John Cook when he was mayor in 2005 and was chair of governors at two Willenhall schools.

Mrs Staffiere, who lived in Cheniston Road, Willenhall, leaves behind sons Ian, Thomas and James.

James said: "She was a loving and caring mother who always supported us in the choices that we made."

Councillor John Cook today paid tribute to grandmother-of-five Mrs Staffiere, who passed away after a period of illness.

"She was a very good friend of the family," he said.

"She offered to be mayoress during my year in office as my wife and daughter were unable to do it.

"Lyn wanted to attend all the functions and was 100 per cent involved in the role.

"She enjoyed representing the people of Walsall and worked very hard. I couldn't have done it without her."

Together the pair raised a total of £12,665 for their two chosen charities for the year, Walsall Breast Cancer Self Help Group and Acorns Children's Hospice.

Mrs Staffiere, whose husband Steven passed away in 2008, also worked as an administrator in the Liberal Democrats town hall office followed by a stint in the education service.

She was also chair of governors at Pool Hayes Arts and Community College for around 15 years, as well as New Invention Infants School.

A funeral service will be held at St Andrew's Church in Bentley on November 21 at 1pm, followed by a cremation at Bushbury Crematorium.