MRS BEATRICE Alice Crossley, the wife of the former owner and managing director of the Accrington Observer, has died at the Royal Blackburn Hospital, aged 93.

Mrs Crossley, of Greycroft Nursing Home, Queens Road, Accrington, served on the Mayoress’s charity committee as treasurer for many years. She was also on the Accrington Linen League, NSPCC committee, and fund-raised for Chaigley Manor.

Her late husband Eric and his brother Harry were joint owners and managing directors of the family business, which was established in 1887, spanning three generations.

Mrs Crossley worked at the Observer’s Edgar Street offices for a short time before getting married.

She was the wife of the late Eric. She leaves children Vanessa, Patricia and Jennifer, grandchildren Andrew, Eric, Georgina, Robert, Jane, Erica and Simon, and great grandchildren Andrew John, Anna, Emma, William, Jack and Joe

Her funeral is today (Friday) when Father Martin Saunders will celebrate Requiem Mass at St Joseph’s RC Church, Accrington, followed by burial at Accrington.

Family flowers only with donations welcome to the Alzheimer’s Research Trust.

Arrangements: Wolstenholme’s.