A “loyal and kind” mum who dedicated her life to helping others has died aged 71.

Liz Duckworth, from Larkfield, was a stalwart of the women’s volunteer charity, Soroptomist International (SI), for more than 40 years and a leading light in Folkestone’s creative scene.

She was a member of Medway and Maidstone SI, did a stint as secretary for the South East region and went on to become its president in 1999-2000.

She had studied mathematics at university before dropping out for a career in the civil service, largely with Kent County Council, where she became involved in improving adult literacy and numeracy.

She went on to support schools and charities to access funding and it was through that role she came into contact with Folkestone’s Creative Foundation, which led to her becoming its funding officer, until her retirement.

Mrs Duckworth was passionate about the organisation’s work in improving Folkestone and the surrounding area.

She was particularly proud of the Creative Quarter in the town, as well as her involvement in the Folkestone Triennial events, for which she commissioned art pieces to be displayed around the area.

When she retired she maintained links with the Creative Foundation and with the arts in general.

She was a trustee of the Arts Society in Medway, enjoyed attending art exhibitions, and took up an art class.

Away from the arts scene, Mrs Duckworth was a school governor at Maplesden Noakes, in Maidstone, where she took on a role as safeguarding officer as well as getting involved in the school’s annual Business Challenge.

She was especially proud of her involvement with the charity, Funding For All, providing support for fundraising for organisations across Kent, as well as mentoring others to pass on skills and knowledge which was said to be one of her greatest joys.

Mrs Duckworth helped found the charity, Slide Away, which provides bereavement support to children and their families and chaired its board of trustees.

She was also instrumental in setting up The Medway Towns Soroptimist Trust.

Mrs Duckworth died aged 71 after a short battle with cancer and her funeral was at Vinters Park Crematorium on March 25.

Her only daughter Rebecca said: “Mum had a most generous spirit, always going the extra mile to help others and working to the highest standards in whatever she did.

“She was endlessly curious, unassuming, but with a steely determination, loyal, patient and kind.

“Even in her last days, she was sitting in hospital with a spreadsheet open - she was always a big fan of a spreadsheet - and was concerned about making sure everything was organised, and that others would be alright.

“She was practical and pragmatic to the very end, and I think it would be a source of great pleasure to her to know that she is remembered by so many as being efficient and helpful.”