A HUDDERSFIELD-born naturalist and parish councillor has died.

Caroline Sheard (neé Haycock) died on May 26, one year after contracting Motor Neurone Disease.

She was 58.

Caroline – better known as Cass – was born in Oakes to optician Jack and wife Marjorie Haycock.

She was educated at Huddersfield High School, now Salendine Nook High School, where she became head girl before graduating in Botany at Nottingham University and gaining a masters’ degree at Reading University.

Mrs Sheard later qualified as a chartered librarian reflecting her lifelong interest in books.

She met Almondbury-born husband Ian at a youth club in Lowerhouses and the two studied together in Reading.

They lived in Hampshire for 20 years where she served as a parish councillor and governor of two schools.

Mr Sheard’s job as a college assistant principal brought the couple to the Isle of Man 13 years ago.

Mrs Sheard worked from home as an indexer and cultivated her garden in her spare time.

She served as a parish councillor on the island.

Throughout her life Mrs Sheard maintained an interest in botany, wildlife and heritage.

She was membership secretary of Manx Wildlife Trust and an active member of Ramsey Wildlife Group enjoying her role as voluntary warden at The Ayres Visitor Centre.

She was a member of Ramsey Heritage Trust and compiled two major exhibitions for it.

A funeral for Mrs Sheard, led by Nigel Priestley of Huddersfield solicitors, Ridley and Hall, was held at the Isle of Man Crematorium, Douglas, on June 16. She leaves her husband of 34 years Ian, a daughter and sister.