A SERVICE of thanksgiving has been held today in a village church in memory of a young woman who has been described as “vivacious, happy and talented”.

The memorial service to Emily Watts, known as Mimi, who died in a snowboarding accident in the French Alps, took place at St Peter and St Paul Church in Lavenham, her home village.

The 26-year-old designer, from Bury Road, fell into a snowdrift and was stuck for about 45 minutes after the incident in Chamonix three weeks ago. She died on December 13 after being on a life support machine.

Hundreds of people packed out the church for this afternoon’s service which portrayed Mimi - a former student of St Benedict’s Catholic School in Bury St Edmunds - as full of life, kind, creative and who possessed a sense of humour.

Reverend Stephen Earl, who led the service, said: “As one so full of life and energy and enthusiasm no-one could imagine Mimi would want us today to be mournful, long-faced or miserable for her sake.

“Today is about joyfully celebrating her life and all that she achieved and still mindful of all she could have achieved had this accident not have happened.”

Mimi’s brother Rory shared funny anecdotes from their time growing up together, such as how she would give their pets nicknames - which brought laughter to the service.

“Growing up with Mims was so fun,” he said.