TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Erskine woman who passed away after losing her battle with cancer.

Roberta Gaitan was a founder of the Rotary Club of Erskine and District and served as club president twice.

She also took up roles as district communications officer, district trainer and district governor.

The 68-year-old was well-known for her fundraising activities and worked hard to improve her community.

Her dedication was recognised when she was honoured with the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Rotary’s highest commendation for service.

Barbara Campbell of Erskine and District Rotary described Roberta as a “leading light in rotary circles”.

She said: “Roberta was a much loved and fun loving woman who held many roles and positions in the Rotary; at local, District and Scottish level and was well-known in Scotland for her inspiration and enthusiasm, for all things Rotary, and life, in general.”

Her funeral was held at St John Bosco’s Parish Church in Erskine where she was an active member.

During her teenage years Roberta was involved in the Catholic organisation the Legion of Mary.

When she was in her early 20s Roberta was selected as an envoy for the World Council of the Legion of Mary to South America.

She took the brave decision to go despite her parents' fears for her safety from the onset of political revolution in Chile.

Roberta’s work involved encouraging new people into the church, promoting community work, setting up new groups and organising congress for bishops and cardinals.

She was well travelled, taking up posts in Chile, Argentina, Bolivia and Mexico.

It was during her time in Argentina that she met her husband, fellow Legionary, Jose Gaitan.

The couple married in Bishopton in 1978 and welcomed daughter, Mariela into the world.

They later split however remained good friends.

Once back in Scotland Roberta returned to teaching and taught in schools in Royston, Port Glasgow and Greenock.

She became head teacher at St Luke’s, Kilwinning, between 1945 and 2008.