A BOURNEMOUTH woman awarded the MBE for her dedication to people with learning disabilities has died.

Mary Waller, 79, was taken ill while carrying out her job as a bus escort to children who attend Linwood School in Winton and died from an aneurism at the Royal Bournemouth Hospital in the early hours of December 19.

Her son, Keith, 48, said her final words to doctors had been: "I must be on the bus in the morning to look after my children."

Devoted Mary had worked at the school for more than 30 years after one of her own children suffered brain damage from meningitis.

"Because of the experience with my brother, she knew how to come across. She worked every day because she was so popular," said Keith, a Ringwood police officer. He added that parents of children escorted by Mrs Waller were amazed by the change in their behaviour after they had been with her.

Mary received an MBE for services to Linwood School in 2002.

The April Court residential care home in Bournemouth, where her youngest son, Paul, lives, was another recipient of Mary's kindness.

Lindsay Divall, the home's manager, described her as the "matriarch" of April Court.

"Her death was felt by all the staff and everybody who knew her. She dedicated her life to working with people with disabilities, especially children," said Ms Divall.

She added that Mrs Waller had been an active parent who phoned her son every day and had sent donations to the home's fund-raising events when she had been unable to attend.

The funeral was held on December 28 at Bournemouth crematorium, followed by a gathering at Bourne-mouth Electric Club to celebrate Mary's life.

"She wouldn't have wanted a solemn occasion. She will be remembered for putting everybody before herself," said Keith.