Town mourns passing of “remarkable” lady

Ann, chair of Burnfoot Community Council, died peacefully at home on Saturday following a short battle with cancer.

The mum, grandmother and great-grandmother, was a passionate ambassador for Hawick and Burnfoot and was at the heart of the community she loved for many years.

Due to current government restrictions a private cremation will take place next Monday.

But her family has announced that prior to the service townsfolk will have a chance to bid her a final fond farewell.

Ann, widow to late husband Peter, is to be driven around Hawick starting at 9am from McLagan Drive, up Charles Street, right into Hillend Drive, then down Fraser Avenue, along Kenilworth Avenue past the school, right onto Eildon Road, Burnhead Road, Burnfoot Road, past Burnfoot Community Hub, heading down into town along the High Street, past the Town Hall to the Sandbed, along Commercial Road, then taking the A7 to Melrose.

Leading the tributes to Ann was her dear friend, Hawick and Denholm councillor Stuart Marshall.

Mr Marshall, who worked with Ann on various committees over two decades, said: “Our town will be deeply saddened to hear that Ann had passed away last weekend and Hawick has most certainly lost a lady who was so well loved and respected in all walks of our life.

“She served on many committees throughout Hawick but certainly as voluntary work goes Burnfoot was without doubt her first love and her last.

“Ann Knight contributed so much to Burnfoot and its people and I don’t think our community will ever be quite the same without her – a truly lovely lady who will be sadly missed but very fondly remembered.”

A spokesperson for Burnfoot Community Council said: “We mourn the passing of our chairperson Ann Knight.

“Ann was always passionate about Hawick and the Burnfoot community, where she lived. She was an active member of the community council for many years and enjoyed organising events such as the carnival, cornets’ evening and Christmas lights switch-on.

“Recently, Ann was instrumental in organising the placing of new benches all around Burnfoot.

“All members of the community council wish to pass on their deepest sympathy to Ann’s family and friends, as we join them in mourning the passing of a remarkable and special lady.”

A live webcast of the service for Ann at the Borders Crematorium will be available using the following link:https://www.wesleymedia.co.uk/webcast-view