A Swindon woman described as ‘popular and influential’ has died at the age of 82.

Joan Sharpe (nee Collins) was a lifelong Chiseldonian and was well-loved in the village due to the impact she made there.

Born in her childhood home in Draycott Road, Chiseldon, in 1940 to parents Lubea and Pat Collins, Joan grew up without her father as he went to fight in Burma during World War Two.

The pair were reunited as the war ended when Joan was six years old with Pat returning home as a decorated World War Two soldier.

Swindon Advertiser: Joan Sharpe grew up in Chiseldon.Joan Sharpe grew up in Chiseldon. (Image: Joan Sharpe)

Joan’s roots in the village meant she never wanted to leave Chiseldon.

She, alongside her brother Brian, were also friends with the Scarrott family, well known as the local fairground owners.

This meant that they would both work and stay with the family during the summer holidays.

Joan then worked at Higgins Bakery in Chiseldon, The Merchants House in Marlborough and as a home help carer, helping Chiseldon’s elderly residents.

Swindon Advertiser: Joan was reunited with her father at the age of six years old.Joan was reunited with her father at the age of six years old. (Image: Joan Sharpe)

In her spare time, she was also a founder member of the Chiseldon History Group & Museum which is still in operation today.

Joan and her lifelong friend Marylynn fulfilled a lifelong ambition and published two books on the history of Chiseldon.

Her family said: “Joan was a very popular and influential figure in the village of Chiseldon throughout her life.

“Everyone knew and liked Joan, who always had a cheeky smile on her face, and if anyone needed to know anything about Chiseldon, they would ask Joan.

Swindon Advertiser: Joan lived in Chiseldon her whole life.Joan lived in Chiseldon her whole life. (Image: Joan Sharpe)

“People will have many happy memories of Joan and her little dog Georgie, who sadly passed away some years ago.

“Joan also instructed her Children Terry, Tracey and Neill to scatter her ashes throughout the village at her favourite places.

“As Joan used to say, ‘Once a Chissy Girl, Always a Chissy Girl’.”

Swindon Advertiser: Joan Sharpe, aged 82, in June of 2023.Joan Sharpe, aged 82, in June of 2023. (Image: Joan Sharpe)

Joan died on Friday, October 13, 2023, at Great Western Hospital at the age of 82 years old.

She is survived by her three children, eight grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren.

Her funeral was held at Holy Cross Church in Chiseldon on October 27.