JOAN Amy Marshall, a former publican, has died.
Mrs Marshall was born in Ventnor in 1925, one of twins. Their mother, Amy, died eight days later and the twins were separated.
Mrs Marshall was adopted by her aunt in Cowes and her sister, Marjorie, was adopted by their grandparents in Ventnor.
Mrs Marshall did well at school and got her first job in the sweet shop next to the Royalty Cinema, Cowes.
During the war, she worked making kit bags and then in 1946 she married Ernest Marshall.
In 1952, the couple moved to Osborne Court flats with their children, Jacqueline and Martin, and ran a fruit and vegetable shop called Marshall’s Market in the High Street up until 1970.
They then became tenants of the Union Inn, Cowes, until 1977, enjoying the life of publicans.
At this time, Mr Marshall lost part of his right leg and, after recuperating, the couple took up the tenancy of the White Horse, Whitwell, which they ran until October 1981.
Due to Mr Marshall’s failing health, they retired together.
Mrs Marshall joined the congregation of St Mary’s Church, Cowes, which she supported by attending many social functions until failing health stopped her.
She was also a member of the Cowes Evening Townswomen’s Guild and the Cowes Ladies’ RNLI Guild. She was a volunteer at the NSPCC shop in Cowes and also helped front of house and behind the bar at Trinity Theatre, having been a member and patron since the early 1960s of the Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society.
In 1985, Mr Marshall died and Mrs Marshall became more heavily involved with the RNLI, becoming souvenir secretary for many years, then vice-chair and then chair. For her hard work, she was awarded a certificate of thanks in 1994 and a silver badge in 2007.
She enjoyed seeing her children make their way in life and loved looking after her grandchildren Abigail and Simon.
She will be greatly missed by the large family she leaves behind and her many friends.
The funeral is next Friday, September 8, at 1.45pm at St Mary’s Church, Cowes.