FOUR horses and carriages will make their way through St John's as neighbours, friends, and family members pay their respects to a woman described as the "community's mother".

Amanda Lacey, better known by most as Mandy, died last month at the age of 61.

She is survived by her husband Tony Lacey and her five children, Melissa, Ben, Dan, Sammie and Becky Lacey along with her eleven grandchildren.

Worcester News: Amanda Lacey and her husband, Tony.Amanda Lacey and her husband, Tony. (Image: Margaret Murrihy)Born and bred in Worcester, Mrs Lacey has been described as "everyone's mum" and a woman who would put anyone above herself.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Maggie Marrihy said: "She helped everyone - everyone knew her as she was the go-to person in the community.

Worcester News: Amanda Lacey and her husband, Tony, on their wedding day. Amanda Lacey and her husband, Tony, on their wedding day. (Image: Margaret Murrihy)"Nothing was ever too much trouble and no one went without. 

"Her whole life was dedicated to her husband, children, grandchildren and bingo, which she loved.

"She was the little old lady that did everything for everyone."

Worcester News: Amanda Lacey while on holiday. Amanda Lacey while on holiday. (Image: Margaret Murrihy)Mrs Lacey was notable for always buying children sweets when she saw them outside local shops and would dance in her hospital bed to cheer up her grandchildren.

Born in Suckley, Mrs Lacey was raised in Dines Green before later moving to St John's with her husband, whom she was with for 47 years. 

The two met in the dry cleaners Sketchley, and they were "each other's biggest support".

Worcester News: Mandy's family outside her hospital room on her 60th birthday. Mandy's family outside her hospital room on her 60th birthday. (Image: Margaret Murrihy)She had worked in Worcester's Woolworths, Co-op, and then at The Range before she died. 

Mrs Lacey beat cancer before in her 40s but it returned when she was 60 - her family visiting her with balloons and signs when she was in hospital.

Ms Marrihy added: "Her beloved husband is also fighting cancer and even when Mandy was told she didn't have long left her main concern was how her husband's appointment had gone that same day and how her children and grandchildren were.

"That just shows how she always put others before herself she never complained, never gave up fighting and never once thought about herself."

"She really was the community's mom, not just her own children, everyone came before herself. 

"She never complained, never gave up fighting and never once thought about herself."

Mrs Lacey's funeral procession will start at 9.30am from Windsor Avenue and will end at the Catholic church Our Lady Queen of Peace at 10.45am on Tuesday, December 19.

Everyone is welcome to line the streets as the procession goes past.