Carol Wright, of Guinea Wiggs, Wiston, died on April 17 after a long fight against cancer.

She had requested the choir's contribution from Handel's Messiah.

Family, friends and colleagues packed St Mary's Church, Wiston, for the service conducted by the Rev Kit Gray, which was relayed to the overspill congregation in the next-door barn.

Mrs Wright, 57, had a successful career in the Civil Service before working for her husband's firms at Guinea Wiggs and was closely involved with various local projects.

She was born in Lanark, Scotland, where she and husband Iain met as teenagers. They were married in 1975 and moved to Wiston in 1982, living in a caravan while they renovated Guinea Wiggs.

Mrs Wright retained an upbeat attitude to her illness and three years ago wrote a spirited article in the Nayland Community Times, urging anyone with suspicious symptoms to see their doctor quickly.

She supported Nayland Village Players and was a founder of the Friends of St Mary's Church.

She leaves her husband and daughters Zoe and Yasmin.