The family and friends of the late Pat Neish said their sad farewells to her on Tuesday in the Church of the Annunciation, Washington Street, Brighton.

Her passing was a sad shock to us and she will be widely missed for her very generous nature and for her strength to be "her own person", regardless.

Pat was a faithful member of that congregation for 50 years and, though the church may be famous for the success of the Hanover Day events and its home-made preserves, those achievements are out-shone by Pat's, which she accomplished with the help of her husband Peter, in her chosen cause of animal welfare.

Cruelty to any animal caused Pat acute physical pain and also anger and she would never hesitate from berating anyone she found guilty of such behaviour.

Pat Neish, heaven's gain is our decrease.

-Mary Blakeman, Brighton