A sense of shock radiated through Chagford following the death — peacefully in her sleep — of Mary Morton last Friday. Mary was born in Bermuda in July 1924, the second daughter of Lesbia and John Scott (RN), who later became Rector of Gidleigh. It was at the age of nine, on a further overseas posting to Malta, that she met Peter Morton, whom she subsequently married. When her father was appointed King's Harbourmaster in Plymouth, the family made their home there, although they were to lose it after it suffered a direct hit during the Plymouth blitz. During the war Mary joined the WRNS and worked as boats crew and signal officer rising to leading officer and was posted to various locations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Mary married Peter, who had joined the Navy at the age of 14, at St Andrew's, Buckland Monachorum, in September 1945. They had four children, Christina, Elisabeth, Andrew and Lucy. After a typically roaming naval life, the family settled in Devon, living first at Drascombe Barton, Drewsteignton. On Peter's retirement from the Navy in 1969, they moved to Chagford where they ran Dolphin Crafts, an artist supplies shop and picture framers. Throughout her life Mary loved words – both written and spoken. She performed in many theatrical productions and in 1968 began 'The Goliards'. This highly successful and popular company of family and friends went on to perform open-air plays every summer in the beautiful courtyard of Shilstone, Chagford, for more than 30 years. In 1982 Mary wrote and directed her first Chagford pantomime and continued to do this until 2002. Even for this year's production of 'Snow White' in February, she has written original lyrics for some of the songs. Throughout her life Mary wrote poetry and prose and was an accomplished 'wordsmith'. In letters and cards since her death many people have remarked on her skills. She was a member of 'Moor Poets' and had a number of poems published. Mary also contributed to the 'Reflections' column of this newspaper – her final piece, a poem praising resurrection and life, has been submitted posthumously and will appear in next week's Times. A person of deep rooted Christian faith, Mary sang in the church choir at Chagford for many years and was a founder member of a weekly ecumenical prayer group and Christians Together in Chagford and district. However, one of Mary's biggest passions was the young. Countless people will recall her influence on their young lives. She was always interested in what young people were doing and was thrilled to be addressed by them as 'Mary' not 'Mrs Morton'. Her other devotion was her family and the particular delight she received from her ten grandchildren and four great-grandchildren was immeasurable. Following Peter's death in 1997, Mary continued to live in her charming cottage in Chagford enjoying her writing and beautiful garden. So it is fitting that she died in her own bed in her own home, but she will be mourned by many, many people throughout the world. In papers she left for family and friends to read after her death, she wrote: 'God bless you all, my darling dears. I carry your love with me and leave all mine with you.' The funeral will take place at St Michael the Archangel, Chagford, at 2.30pm on Saturday, January 26.