A MUCH respected Denbigh woman has died at the age of 62.

Last Friday, St Mary’s Church in Denbigh was full to capacity for the funeral of Sue Phillips.

After a long illness, the much respected and loved Mrs Phillips died on May 23.

She was born in Sleaford, Lincolnshire and along with her parents and sister Lynda, lived in various locations across England.

Having completed her teacher training course in dance and drama in Liverpool in 1979, Mrs Phillips crossed Offa’s Dyke and began her teaching career in Connah’s Quay.

It was not long before her talent was further recognised.

For much of the remainder of her career until her retirement in 2013, she worked as a dance teacher advisor and then as arts coordinator for the old county of Clwyd and, following county reorganisation, for Denbighshire County Council.

Her involvement with dance was extensive.

She performed to a high level at various locations across Wales; she was an adjudicator at the Urdd National Eisteddfodau and also choreographed numerous pageants and shows for these annual events.

In the mid-1980s, Mrs Phillips helped to establish the Clwyd Youth Dance Company and she was also a member of the Arts Council for Wales.

During school holidays, she tutored on Clwyd youth drama courses.

In 1992, Sue married Tegid Phillips and moved to reside in Denbigh at the Phillips' family home at Bryn Collen, where she would live for the remainder of her life.

In early 1994, Sue gave birth to twin daughters, Angharad and Megan, who would go onto play table tennis on over 100 occasions for Wales, including two Commonwealth Games in New Delhi (2010) and Glasgow (2014). From 2006 until 2016, much of Sue’s free time involved supporting Angharad and Megan’s playing career, with competitions being held all over the UK, Europe and beyond.

Within her close circle of family and friends, Sue became renowned for her cooking and hosting family functions.

Her other favourite pastimes included skiing, tennis, walking, gardening and reading.

Despite being diagnosed with bowel cancer in early 2017, she was determined to live as full a life as possible.

In the next 30 or so months, she had 10 mini holiday breaks to various locations across Europe plus numerous others in the UK.

Most of these were with Tegid, Megan and Angharad.

Mr Phillips said: "In many ways, it was appropriate that, at the end of March, her last holiday should be in Vilnius, Lithuania; the city reflected Sue’s personality - creative, cultured and warm natured."

Paying tribute, Dave Phoenix, the former Head of the Arts for Clwyd and Denbighshire, said: "She was held in high regard by everyone who knew her and they have expressed their appreciation for her friendship and her superb contribution to education and dance.

"Her life's work deserves to be recognised and celebrated by us all."

Paul Davies, of Barbican Dance Wales, added: "She was instrumental in her passion and drive; her impact, commitment and determination for dance in North Wales was immense.

"I will ensure her legacy continues for dance in Wales."