Former chairman of Gwent Federation of WIs Mrs Jeanette Hood has died at the age of 79 after suffering a heart attack ten days ago.

Jeanette was the wife of Brian Hood MBE, who was a Monmouthshire county councillor for 25 years and the authority's chairman in 2011-12.

The couple, who originally came from the West Midlands, had been married for 58 years.

Jeanette was president of the Llanddewi Rhydderch branch of the WI on several occasions - and was its last president. She attended the branch's final meeting earlier this month.

Her family said she was deeply saddened by the branch's closure.

She had been chair of the Gwent Federation of WIs for three years - from 2001 to 2004.

At one time she was chairman of the WI markets and regularly baked for their stall in Abergavenny's Corn Exchange. She was also a past chair of the WI's organisation committee.

Two and a half years ago Jeanette suffered from heart failure but had been gradually regaining her strength. A week last Sunday, however, she had a major heart attack at home and she died on Tuesday morning in Nevill Hall hospital with her husband, son Alan and daughter Jacquie by her bedside.

The Hoods had moved to Coed Morgan nearly 35 years ago.

Both were keen gardeners and regularly opened the garden of their home to the public under the National Garden Scheme.

Jeanette was an accomplished musician - playing the organ at her local church in the parish of Llanvihangel Gobion with Llanfair Kilgeddin.

She enjoyed craftwork, particularly beading. She also took a keen interest in local history, wildlife and archaeology and had a lifelong love of travel.

The couple's son Alan is currently teaching in Saudi Arabia and daughter Jacquie (Black) is a librarian based in Bath.

"My mother was very self-effacing. You would never know from speaking to her all the things she had accomplished," said Jacquie.

"She was always positive and encouraging. She was one of the nicest people you could wish to meet - and the best mother and wife in the world."

Following a family cremation there will be a service of celebration of Jeanette's life at St Mary's Church, Abergavenny at 3pm on Thursday February 6.