A former mayoress has died five years after her husband of 56 years.

Joan Marven, 85, of Chalky Bank, Gravesend, was Mayoress of Gravesham from 1982 to 1983.

The former nurse passed away peacefully at ellenor hospice, Northfleet, earlier this month.

She is survived by her sons John and Ian.

Her late husband Frank – a county councillor and Scout leader – died at the age of 84 in December 2012.

At the time of former garage worker Mr Marven’s death, Mrs Marven said: “We met when he brought my father’s car back to our house.

“I was a nurse at Gravesend hospital and he came down to the hospital with one of the Scouts.

“It was definitely love at first sight for me and we had a great love. Before he went he told me he had no regrets and lived life to the full.”

The couple married at St James’ Church in 1956.

Mrs Marven led family members through two guards of honour formed by leading Scouts at her husband’s memorial service and funeral.

Mrs Marven was born in Romford before moving to Hartley. She worked as a district nurse in Northfleet and Swanscombe after training at Gravesend Hospital.

Her funeral will be held on Friday at 12.15pm at St George’s Church, in Church Street, Gravesend.

Family flowers only with any donations made to ellenor.