A granddaughter has paid a beautiful tribute to her granny,  the last Mayoress of Farnworth celebrating her lifelong service to the community.

Irene Flanagan, who has died at the age of  97, and her late husband, Labour Councillor Joseph ‘Ken’ Flanagan were the last couple to hold the positions of Mayor and Mayoress of Farnworth, before the town became part of Bolton after a major shake-up of council areas in 1974.

She died in her home at Maxton House, Farnworth and was “surrounded by her loved ones”. on September 23.

The family have launched a donation page (ireneflanagan.muchloved.com) in her memory to raise money for the Dementia Society.

Born in Farnworth, Irene served as Mayoress for twelve months and was presented with a replica of the ‘Mayoress’s Medallion’ at the end of her term.

(Image: Louise Pitfield)

Granddaughter, Louise Pitfield said: “The medal and her service as Mayoress meant so much to her, it was the sort of thing she always talked about.

“She relived those days a lot and would tell anybody who would listen about her time as Mayoress, she’s quite proud of it.

“Even though she had dementia, my granny would still tell the stories about her visits to Buckingham Palace’s summer garden party and driving the mayoral car in a procession from Farnworth town hall to our Lady of Lourdes church, which she attended long after.

“She even donned a replica of the medal for her milestone birthday bash at 90 years old in 2017. She was so proud to have done her bit for the community.

(Image: Louise Pitfield)

“My granny had grown up in Farnworth, her family owned a grocery store at the bottom of Highfield Road and before that they’d owned the Wellington Pub in Farnworth.

“She was a Labour woman all her life through and through, so much so that she was sceptical about celebrating her 90th birthday at the Plodder Lane Conservative Club – she wanted to go back to the Labour one!”

Irene was one of eight siblings and remained a “well-respected and legendary” part of the community for her entire life, Louise adds.

She had three children and eight grandchildren whom she "completely adored".

Irene worked in Brooks Café in Farnworth before moving to Nuttall’s Confectioners on Market Street, where she remained until she retired.

(Image: Louise Pitfield)

Louise said: “Even from a young age Granny was dedicated to Farnworth. She had five grandchildren and it’s a story that we’ve all grown up with.

“Even if you were stood next to her in the supermarket, she’d tell it.

“We are so proud of her, it’s part of her legacy. We still have the medal and if there’s ever a project at school or anything its great for the grandkids to bring in and show off.

“We want Irene’s legendary life to be celebrated by the community. Her funeral will be held on the 16th of October 2024 at Our Lady of Lourdes Church then a burial at Wardley cemetery.”