A POPULAR Inverclyde pharmacist has passed away at the age of 82 after a long illness.

Anne Anderson ran the chemist and sub-post office at Barr’s Cottage for 14 years, and earlier worked in pharmacies in Ravenscraig, Larkfield and other hospitals.

Anne was born and initially educated in Coatbridge.

She continued to Park School for Girls, Glasgow, where she was Dux, and then to Glasgow University, graduating BSc Honours 1st Class, before becoming a Fellow of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society.

She moved with her husband William and family to Gourock because they liked the area and had family links here.

Despite a life-threatening illness requiring major surgery in young adulthood, she raised two sons, Ross and Iain, one now a Cambridge professor, the other a senior surgeon, both with international recognition.

Iain said: “She carried the permanent effects of surgery without complaint or obvious interference to her life, and counselled others in similar straits.

“Her life was interlaced with hobbies and charitable work. She was a noted local gardener for 40 years and past President of Gourock Horticultural Society.” Anne played golf, bowling and bridge, and was an accomplished needlewoman.

She was involved with several charities, but her favourite was knitting a square for a blanket each day for Africa, which she did for many years. Iain added: “My mother was a Christian family woman. A regular local churchgoer, her faith supported her continuing, but little-known, charitable activity.

“She worked regularly with the WRVS and was an active and contributing member of the Soroptimists, the Association of Women Graduates (past President) and the Ileostomy Association.”