Tributes paid to community hero as six try giving CPR

Valerie Jill Cross (nee Black), who was known to family and friends as Jill, has been named as a lover of the outdoors and a "delightful lady who lived life to the full."

The 93-year-old, who was a mum of four, was a well-known figure in the community, taking part in a range of social events, helping with parish newsletters and even becoming secretary of a tennis club.

"She had a long, happy, active and largely happy life. She loved cats and playing tennis and bridge," said her daughter Sally.

"She was always cheerful and quite stoic."

Even when Jill moved into Malmesbury's Athelstan House Care Home in June 2025, her family say she "continued her lifelong dedication to reading The Times every day and was busy deciding what activities to join, and getting others to join."

Her death, on January 3, 2026, has now been described by HM Area Coroner Mr Grant Davies as a "tragic accident."

Paramedics were called to the scene (Image: Getty)

In the final inquest held at Wiltshire Coroner's Court on Thursday, June 11, Athelstan House Care Home's staff were praised for their quick response when Jill began choking on her lunch at the care home.

Despite CPR from six staff members and paramedics, Coroner Davies has concluded "there was just nothing they could do."

“Jill sounded like an absolutely delightful lady who really lived life to the full. She was active both in the community and loved her cats and those amazing holidays to see the flora and fauna all over the world," said the coroner.

"She was still active even at the care home. On the day she died, she was off to play bingo and would encourage others to do so too. She was a life spark, as it were.

“The staff just did everything they could to try and help Jill. It seems to me that this was a tragic accident."

Her family have thanked Athelstan House Care Home, run by the Orders of St John Care Trust, for giving Jill a "new lease of life" in the months leading up to her death.

"I can’t fault the care Athelstan gave to mum and I will be forever grateful," said Jill's daughter Sally.

"It was a joy to see her happier in the last few months of her life."

Staff at the care home say the 93-year-old was "an asset to the community" right up until the day of her death, and she has been remembered as a well-respected individual with a love of life.