Pauline Annis, who previously worked as a teacher, has been described as “generous” and “community-minded”.
She moved to Wyre Forest in 1970 and to Stourport in 1990. She taught full-time at Kidderminster College under her maiden name of Pauline McCann, initially as a history lecturer but later teaching Access to Education and lecturing for the Open University.
Pauline was instrumental in setting up Stourport Forward and served as chairman for a while.
She was actively involved in the Mart Lane regeneration of Stourport’s historic basins.
She went on to help the community take over the management of The Civic in Stourport.
She chaired Stourport Civic Society between 1999 and 2023, as well as Wyre Forest Amnesty International.
She is survived by Richard, her husband of 36 years.
Andrew Booton, Chairman of Stourport Civic Society, said: “Pauline was one of life’s net contributors, putting in more than she took out.
“She was very generous with her time and energy, focussing constructively on improving Stourport for everyone.
“Her knowledge of and dedication to Stourport were immense. She made an enormous contribution to the town through her many voluntary interests.
“An enthusiastic and very knowledgeable local historian, her research provided a significant core of the Civic Society’s many pamphlets as well as more detailed articles and books.
“Stoic in the face of chronic health conditions, we will be forever grateful for her good-humoured leadership and energy.
“We will miss her enormously and we send our deepest condolences to Richard.”
People have shared their tributes to Pauline on Facebook.
Siân Bağcı described her as a “supportive, community-minded lady”.
Marcus Hayes said: “Pauline taught me at Kidderminster College and was a wonderfully inspirational teacher”.
John Caldwell added: “She was a lovely lady and gave us a lot of support at The Civic Hall when we were starting up, and was part of the steering group for a time”.
Funeral arrangements are not yet finalised and will be sent out by the civic society in due course.