LYME Regis is mourning the woman thought to be one of the town’s oldest residents.

Molly Raison died last week, just a few months before her 105th birthday.

Born and bred in the town, Molly was the youngest and last surviving of eight children. 

Her father was Alben Wiscombe, a former mayor of Lyme Regis and joint founder of A and F. Wiscombe the local building firm. 

Molly’s family home was in Broad Street and she sat her matriculation exams at the old school at Woodmead Halls in the days before the Woodroffe – formerly Lyme Regis Grammar School – became established. 

She was an active member of Lyme Operatic Society with several stage roles to her credit. 

Many Lyme residents will remember her from the West Dorset Shoe Shop, which is now the Martin Diplock estate agent.

The shoe shop was a family business which she ran for more than 40 years, taking over from her mother, Annie.

After retiring in 1973 she devoted much of her spare time to the RNLI. 

If she wasn’t helping to run the lifeboat gift shop she was knitting or organising various fundraising events for the charity. 

Molly spent her last seven years at Bymead House nursing home in Charmouth where she remained happy and active until shortly before her death.

The family said they wanted to extend their thanks to the staff of Bymead House for the love and care they showed Molly. 

Molly is survived by two children, Gaye and Nick, and by four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and numerous nephews and nieces. 

The funeral service to celebrate Molly’s life will be held at East Devon Crematorium, Whimple, at 1.30pm on 19 October 19. 

At Molly’s request those attending are asked to wear something bright and colourful.