Hundreds of people turned out to Woodbridge riverside to say farewell to the town's county councillor Caroline Page as she was given the Viking funeral she wanted.
Ms Page died, aged 65, in early July after a year of treatment for lung cancer - a condition that she believe was diagnosed late because of the difficulties in getting a doctor's appointnment during the pandemic.
The Liberal Democrat had represented Woodbridge on Suffolk County Council for 15 years - and colleagues from all political parties went to Whisstocks Quay in Woodbridge for her send-off.
The event was hosted by her husband, Woodbridge mayor Patrick Gillard, and featured the local singing group The Rabble Chorus.
Ms Page and her friend Ruth Leach founded the Save The Deben pressure group to campaign to clean up the river.
And it was her wish that her ashes should have a Viking Funeral in the river she did so much to protect.
That was the fulcrum of the service before many of the guests moved on to the The Bull In for an afternoon of reminisences about her very full life.
About 400 people were at the quay for the informal ceremony that respectful but relaxed - and which featured many smiles as people discussed the councillor and her work for the town.
She retained the Woodbridge Division with nearly two thirds of the votes in the county council elections in 2021 - and there is expected to be a by-election to choose her successor during the autumn.
Speaking after her death was announced last month, Mr Gillard said: "She kept on working until the end.
"The cancer had spread and she had three brain tumours. Until last week there had been hopes that she could be transferred to Addenbrooke's Hospital for an operation - but in the end she was not strong enough for that."
Suffolk County Council chairman Keith Robinson said: “Caroline was a well-respected, hardworking woman and dedicated county councillor since her election to the Woodbridge division in 2008.
"Caroline’s unwavering enthusiasm and relentless passion for serving her residents saw her achieve a great deal during her time in office, not only for those living and working in Woodbridge, but those across Suffolk through her wider responsibilities at the county council."
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