A family is in shock after a grieving mother died at her son's funeral.

Mary Emery, 74, was chatting to friends in Stebbing churchyard, near Braintree, following the burial of her son Chris Kittow, 55, when she had a heart attack. Her son had days earlier also died from a heart attack.

Lifelong friend Flo Pickford, 83, was talking to Mrs Emery when she collapsed. Mrs Pickford said: "It was such a shock."

A mourner called for an ambulance and attempts were made to resuscitate Mrs Emery in the churchyard.

Daughter Celia Bolt said the church was packed for the funeral of her half-brother and she was thankful most of the 200-plus mourners had left the churchyard.

She said: "She was one in a million and a real village character."

Mr Kittow worked for Federal Express at Stansted Airport. Twice-married Mrs Emery was active right up to her death and delivered flowers for her daughter who runs a florist shop in Dunmow High Street.

In the past she had helped run the family undertaking business and garden centre in Stebbing.

Mrs Emery, who had five children, had been a widow since 1980 and had lived in the same house in Stebbing for 30 years.

Mrs Bolt said she had been overwhelmed by tributes and messages from villagers.

Mrs Emery's funeral service takes place on Wednesday, at Stebbing Church followed by cremation at Chelmsford.

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