Tributes have been paid to a "social butterfly" who was an active member of a community on the outskirts of the city as well as a stalwart of a long-established twinning association.

Jackie Warnes was a founding member of Brundall Twinning Association which provided links and friendships between members in the village and the wider Brundall area.

She had moved to the Norwich area with her family in the early 1960s and worked for Anglia Television in a variety of roles for many years.

Norwich Evening News: Gavin and Nicky with Jackie at Thorp House Nursing HomeGavin and Nicky with Jackie at Thorp House Nursing Home (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

And it wasn't long before Jackie was to meet her husband-to-be.

Jackie's son Gavin now lives in New Jersey, USA.

He said: "Mum was all about friendship.

"While her parents were away on holiday she threw a party. One of her friends from Anglia brought along her friend, and his work colleague, Mike.

"Mum thought Mike was a real charmer apart from the fact that his ears stuck out. He also had the added attraction of owning a Ford Anglia.

Norwich Evening News: Jackie and Mike Warnes' wedding dayJackie and Mike Warnes' wedding day (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

"They married in September 1965 and bought their bungalow in Brundall in January 1967, just in the nick of time as I arrived a week later."

As a young mother Jackie made lifelong friendships through playgroup, Brundall Primary School, Anglia TV and Blofield Tennis Club.

Gavin added: "Mum and dad loved French history and culture so they would always participate in the annual exchange visits and in the years to come their garden was the venue for large parties of their ever-expanding circle of friends.

Norwich Evening News: Jackie and Mike Warnes on holiday in New YorkJackie and Mike Warnes on holiday in New York (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

"The twinning brought them great joy and we've received touching messages of condolences from twinning friends on both sides of the Channel."

When Mike was made redundant in 1985 they launched their own business called Florscene, installing flooring for house-building firms, which prospered through their hard work.

Gavin said: "Florscene allowed mum and dad to travel widely on multiple visits to Australia, Africa, Canada and the much of Europe."

In retirement, Jackie loved being a grandmother and travelling with her husband and friends, including a long road trip through California with the "golden girls".

Norwich Evening News: Jackie Warnes, pictured second left with her friends, the “golden girls” on their USA trip at YosemiteJackie Warnes, pictured second left with her friends, the “golden girls” on their USA trip at Yosemite (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

Following her husband's death, she found great comfort and friendship as a parishioner at Blofield Church.

Jackie was living with dementia during her final years and spent the last 11 months of her life in Thorp House Nursing Home, Griston, near Watton, impressing staff and fellow residents with her warmth and sense of fun.

Gavin added: "Mum struggled with ill health during the last three years of her life.

"But we'll be forever grateful to the wonderful staff at Thorp House Nursing Home who were tremendously kind to mum and grew to love her too.

"Once she settled, mum became part of the fabric of the home, wandering the hallways, sitting in the manager's office to chat and helping to fold the laundry."

The family presented two wheelchairs to Thorp House in Jackie's memory and donated her vast collection of art materials to the home.

Norwich Evening News: Jackie Warnes at home in Brundall with her children, Gavin and NickyJackie Warnes at home in Brundall with her children, Gavin and Nicky (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

Following her death at the age of 79 and her funeral at St Andrew and St Peter Church, in Blofield, her family launched a fundraiser for Dementia UK in her memory.

Reflecting her popularity and standing in the community, the appeal has quickly reached a total of £1,500.

Jackie's daughter, Nicky said: "There is no cure for dementia and it affects so many people.

"Mum got away lightly compared to many others but the more money raised to fight this horrible illness and support people living with it, the better."

Norwich Evening News: Jackie Warnes dancing with Marcia Hughes at Thorp HouseJackie Warnes dancing with Marcia Hughes at Thorp House (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)

Thorp House activities coordinator Marcia Hughes said: "Jackie was really popular with everyone.

"She was always chatty and helpful. She loved our coffee mornings and adored a good old chin wag - she also loved dancing and gardening.

"She came alive when she danced and infected everyone around her with her lovely sense of humour. We had a lot of fun together."

Norwich Evening News: Jackie Warnes on holiday in VeniceJackie Warnes on holiday in Venice (Image: Kingsley Healthcare)