A LOCHORE woman who spent almost half a century serving communities in Africa, has died following a road accident in Botswana.

Tributes were paid to Irene Legge this week who was highly revered for her efforts helping communities as a nurse, holding mobile clinics, and for her missionary work.

Irene went with husband Jim Legge to Botswana way back in 1969, having qualified as a nurse at Dunfermline and West Fife School of Nursing where she gained the Black Silver Medal and then qualified as a Midwife.

It was at this time that Irene met Jim and they married in 1966 and decided to go to Botswana three years later, settling in Serowe.

Learning Setswana they went into the villages and held mobile clinics for people living in outlying communities and at the same time they told of their faith in the Lord Jesus and many were blest not only physically but spiritually.

After 25 years of voluntary medical work, Irene retired from nursing because of a heart condition, but then devoted her remaining energies to literature work printing many thousands of Bible lessons which were sent all over Botswana.

The work of Irene and Jim was recognised by the Botswana Government when they were grateful to be honoured when the country's President Khama presented them with the Presidential Order of Meritorious Service.

Before she left for Africa she spent a lot of time worshipping at the Union Hall, in Broad Street, Cowdenbeath, where she met Robert Muir, who attended her funeral in Botswana.

Said Robert: "With her sudden death in a tragic road accident on December 13 Irene has left many with wonderful memories of a life well spent for Jesus Christ.

"She leaves her husband Jim, children Judy and Crawford and grandchildren. Irene was a wonderful mother, a small woman with a very big heart.

"They, together with a large circle of friends will miss her so much. Her family is grateful for the kindness and prayers of so many over a lifetime."