A nursing Matron renowned for insisting on cleanliness at Didcot Hospital has died, aged 85.

Margaret Elizabeth Gordon Munt was born in Launceston, Cornwall, in 1926, the only daughter of Reginald and Eliza Slocombe.

The family, who were well known in the weaving industry, moved to Bradford-on-Avon, Wiltshire, and Margaret attended boarding school at St Helen and St Katharine in Abingdon.

She trained as a theatre sister at St Thomas’s Hospital in London, before becoming a senior theatre sister. She married Michael Munt in 1956, but divorced in 1960.

Mrs Munt, of Warner Crescent, Didcot, became matron of Didcot Hospital in 1958. Her friend and deputy, Silvia Taylor, said: “She was Didcot Hospital for over 20 years”.

Mrs Munt remained as matron until retiring in 1982. She was the force behind many fundraising events but was probably best known for raising the money for the hospital’s Ben Bosley Room.

As matron, she worked long shifts and lived above Didcot Hospital on call 24 hours a day.

She presided over the hospital in an era when cleanliness was paramount and hospital infections were virtually unheard of.

Mrs Munt took a keen interest in politics and history and was well read on both subjects, visiting cities such as Budapest and Prague.

An avid Tory supporter and activist, she could often be seen canvassing for local elections. She also loved watching sport.

After retiring from the NHS, she worked for the Home Helpers care agency as a carer and trainer. During that time she also took on the task of writing training manuals.

In turn, the agency then helped look after her in her latter years.

When she decided to do something she wouldn’t let anything stand in her way.

At the age of 70, she embarked on a computer course, primarily to improve the training manuals that she produced.

When she finally hung up her medical hat, she decided to help out in a local charity shop.

She died peacefully at home on April 23, aged 85. Her funeral was held on May 3 at Oxford Crematorium.

A devoted mother and grandmother, Mrs Munt leaves daughter Caroline, son-in-law Alan, their three children Ross, Craig and Lorna, and great-grandson Harry.