Former town mayoress dies, aged 69

LIVEWIRE: Eva Francis, seen here with Dancing with the Stars contestant Rodney Hide at a House of the Year dinner in 2007, had a real zest for life.PHOTO/FILE

Masterton's longest serving mayoress Eva Francis has died, aged 69.

Mrs Francis, wife of Bob Francis who was mayor of Masterton for 21 years, died overnight on Sunday after a short illness.

A funeral service will be held for her at 1pm on Thursday, in Masterton Town Hall.

In a tribute to his wife, Mr Francis said yesterday she had been his "best mate" and had spent most of her time - especially when he held the mayoralty - supporting him.

"She was my unpaid personal assistant," Mr Francis said.

The couple had been married for 49 years and Mr Francis said he was particularly pleased they had travelled widely in the last few years, clocking up some cherished memories.

Some of those trips were taken when Mr Francis, who at one time was ranked as the world's No1 international rugby referee, was charged with helping select referees for World Cup games.

Mr Francis said being able to take his wife on overseas trips was "payback" for her loyalty and help during his career.

Eva Francis was well known for her wit and sense of humour, and was devoted to her four children, Jenny, Tony, Geoffrey and Stephen, along with her grandchildren.