A “fiercely independent” nonagenarian who loved to dance and dine with friends died on New Year’s Day, a court has heard. 

Friends of Vera Burch, 95, of Greenacres Drive in Poringland, near Norwich, paid tribute to the retired retail supervisor and widower at an inquest into her death. 

Maurice Bedder, who had been friends with Mrs Burch for more than 50 years, gave a statement to the Norfolk Coroner's Court at County Hall.

He said: “Prior to her fall in July 2023, she was an incredibly active person who enjoyed going to her Monday club each week meeting friends for lunch and going dancing regularly. 

“She was fiercely independent and was driving up until she was 92 years old and was able to do all of her own shopping and housework.

“She was also very stubborn and a determined character who wasn't one to give up on things. 

“Her determination however meant that she often pushed herself too hard.”

And friend and neighbour of ten years, Jason Green, added that he would “call in daily” to see her.

Evidence read out at the inquest held on January 12, stated that Mrs Burch had become less independent following a fall in July 2023. 

A subsequent fall in November 2023 saw her admitted to hospital briefly before returning home. 

On December 27, she declined further and although she was visited by a doctor she continued to deteriorate and died on January 1.

The medical cause of death was given as old age with recurrent falls, hypothyroidism, and cognitive impairment. 

Area coroner Samantha Goward gave a conclusion of death by natural causes. 

Vera Rose Burch (nee Gausden) was born on November 28, 1928, in London and was the widow of Peter Edmund Burch, a retired foreman.  

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