Town's stalwart Irene dies at 92

Jun 6 2007 By Dale Williams, Birmingham Mail

TRIBUTES were paid today to a former Mayoress of Walsall who has died aged 92.

Irene Tunley was the town's mayoress in 1982 alongside her husband Fred Tunley, who was mayor that year and devoted a quarter of a century to public service in Walsall.

Coun Tunley was a member of Walsall County Borough Council from 1963 to 1974 and of Walsall Metropolitan Borough Council from April 1974 until his death in April 1988.

He served on various committees including policy and resources, highways and public works and planning.

This year's Mayor of Walsall, Coun Melvin Pitt, said: "Irene will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her and will be remembered as a devoted servant of Walsall in her year in office.

"As a young man finding my way in local government I remember Fred as an experienced councillor I held in high esteem."

Coun Pitt (Bloxwich) added: "He devoted a large part of his life to serving the people of Walsall and Irene was a devoted mayoress and a constant support to Fred. Both of them did Walsall proud."

Mrs Tunley's funeral will be at Broadway United Reformed Church, on the junction of Gillity Avenue and Broadway on June 12 at 11.30am. Coun Pitt and Deputy Mayor Tom Ansell will attend.

The family has asked that no flowers be sent, but donations can be made to the Acorns Children's Hospice.