A grandmother who wrote to soldiers to keep up their spirits while they were on active service is being honoured by her family.

Sheila Greenwood, 86, of Marshalswick, St Albans, died on April 5.

She was born in St Albans in 1931 and was eight when the Second World War started.

As a young woman she attended the Trinity Church youth club where she met her future husband Harold.

After the war, National Service was still in place, Harold was called up and shipped overseas.

Sheila who was an active member of her church club and wrote to Harold while he served.

But unbeknownst to Harold it was her job to write to all the young men from the church who served abroad.

He said: “When I was called up for National Service I was delighted that Sheila kept in touch throughout my overseas postings in Egypt and Kenya.

“It took a little of the shine away when I learned she had been appointed by the youth club to write to members doing their national service.”

Sheila married Harold in September, 1954 and the pair had two sons, Robert and John, were born not long after the marriage.

She lived her entire life in St Albans, raising her family, while working in various shops in the city.

Harold added: “Sheila was a lovely wife with a very happy disposition readily making friends and always looking on the bright side.

"Sheila loved walking and we spent several holidays fell walking in the Lake District, including to the top of Helvellyn and other peaks.

"Sheila remained positive even when her health and physical wellbeing prevented her from walking unaided.

"She never really complained although she had every reason to do so.

"I shall so miss her."

Sheila's funeral was held at the West Herts Crematorium on April 18.