A special memorial service was held at South Manchester Crematorium this week in honour of the first woman to be Mayor of Merton.

Councillor Vera Maud Bonner, Mayor of Merton 1973-1974

Mrs Vera Bonner, who sadly passed away towards the end of last year, was mayor for the year 1973/74. A member of the Labour Group, she served on Mitcham Council 1963-1965 and was ward councillor for Mitcham North from May 1971 until she retired in May 1978.  Mrs Bonner sat on many committees including the Establishment, Libraries and Baths Committee, the Works Staff Joint Committee, Wimbledon Theatre Committee, Parks Committee and the Recreation and Arts Committee.

Anyone wishing to leave a message of condolence should contact the Mayor’s office at Merton Civic Centre, Morden.

Current Mayor of Merton Councillor Brenda Fraser said: “My thoughts and prayers are with Mrs Bonner’s family. As the first woman to be Mayor of Merton, she broke the mould. Her invaluable work on the many committees covering a broad range of council business meant that she was involved in a wide variety of services valued by our residents.”

Leader of Merton Council Councillor Stephen Alambritis said: “As we think of Mrs Bonner’s family at this sad time, we can also reflect on a lifetime of dedicated public service. As the first woman to be Mayor of Merton, she will always hold a special place in our borough’s history.”

-ENDS-