TRIBUTES have been paid to a kind and generous volunteer who has died at the age of 56.
Margaret Lisseman, who memorably won our Worcestershire Education Award last year, died on March 15 after a short battle with cancer.
Maggie worked at Great Witley C of E Primary School for almost 30 years in roles ranging from cleaner to teaching assistant.
A statement from the family of Maggie, as she was widely known, said: "Margaret Lisseman (formerly Edwards) was one of the kindest and most helpful ladies to walk the earth.
"She wouldn't even think before saying yes to lending a hand to anyone - family, friends or strangers.
"She loved volunteering at Shelsley Social Club where she would cook and serve behind the bar and she took great pride in helping to keep the club going.
"Maggie was also a rainbow leader with 1st Abberley and Witley Brownies where she loved teaching the girls crafts and passing on her appreciation for nature
"For almost 30 years, Maggie worked at Great Witley C of E Primary School as a cleaner, caretaker, teaching assistant, lunchtime supervisor and - perhaps the role she enjoyed the most - forest school helper and she will be remembered with fondness by many pupils, parents and staff."
Last year Maggie was nominated by school staff in the Support Staff of the Year category of our awards.
Not only did she go on to win that award but she also scooped the overall winner trophy.
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The family tribute, written by daughter Samantha Seddon, said: "She was incredibly proud of winning an award from the Worcester News even though she did not feel she was worthy of it as she felt she was simply doing her job.
"She was incredibly humble and had no idea just how many lives she had touched with her kindness, love and care."
Maggie is survived by her three daughters and nine grandchildren and the tribute said they had all made sure to look after until her last breath.
"They all miss her terribly," the family said.
Kate Ramsey, headteacher at the school, recently wrote in a school newsletter: "Thank you all for your kind messages of condolence following the news that our friend and colleague Maggie Lisseman passed away - I have passed these on to her family."
Her funeral will take place at 4.30pm on Monday, April 24, at All Saints Church in Shelsley Beauchamp
The family have asked for donations in her memory which will go to St Michael's Hospice in Hereford.
To make a donation visit https://justgiving.com/fundraising/samantha-sneddon.
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