Joan, who later became Helena Joan Hewitt, ran our Kenilworth office in the early 1990s, before becoming news editor in Leamington for several years.

She had come to journalism somewhat late in life following earlier careers in teaching and public relations.

Her friend of 50 years, Sarah Wright, described her as "very determined" in her outlook on life.

She said: "She was a terrific character and I miss her greatly. She was very stylish and one of those larger than life people, very English. She had so many friends of so many nationalities, especially whilst living in Verona.

"She was very intelligent, was really into reading and books: she was remarkable."

Paul Barratt, a friend of hers from Kenilworth, described her as "good company and nobody's fool".

He said: "She was a very clever girl, very intelligent and a good person too. She looked after her mother who had lost her legs. She really enjoyed her life and when she retired, she went to live in Cyprus.

"She didn't spend long there as she couldn't speak the language and could not settle, so she went to live in Verona in Italy. She was fluent in Italian and she even taught it at one point."

Joan converted from Catholicism to the Greek Orthodox faith in the 1990s and attended the Church of the Glorious Ascension of our Lord in Rugby. It was then that she took on the name Helena.

He added: "Two years ago this Christmas, she was told she had cancer of all her major organs and became reliant on all the good friends she had.

"She was told in Italy by her consultant that she couldn't get the same treatment or pain relief there as she would in the UK, so she moved back to the UK in Easter to stay with a relative in Kent.

"Macmillan nurses looked after her and did a great job before she died. I know she enjoyed her life and it is such a shame. She would have been 68 in August."

In 1991, Joan had an article published in The Sunday Times about teaching. During her time with the Kenilworth Weekly News she won various awards for her campaigns.

Martin Lawson, editor of the Courier and Weekly News, said: "Joan brought a very individual style and flair to local journalism.

"She combined wit with diligence and determination and could, at times, be bluntly forthright.

"She did not hold back from sharing her opinions with some people who contacted us and telling them what she thought of their own views, their causes and, sometimes, themselves.

"But she was also a stickler for the courtesies of life - and correct spelling, punctuation and phraseology. Many a young trainee reporter was reminded of his or her failings if he or she strayed from the path of righteousness in regard to our house style and the proper use of the English language.

"It was a pleasure to work with her."

*The Greek Orthodox funeral will be held on Monday, September 8 in Kent.