The family of 87-year-old Elsa Sully, from Bristol, remembered her as a gentle and helpful person after she died in a road accident in the city.

She was walking home from the shops when she was knocked down on a zebra crossing. She died eight days later on October 8, 2009.

Mrs Sully was survived by two sons. Son Robert said: "Elsa was a very gentle, understanding and helpful person who would not hurt a fly. It is absolutely tragic that she has died as the result of a needless traffic accident. She will be sorely missed by her friends and family."

Neighbour Sally Noble said: "Elsa had two sons who came to see her regularly and grandchildren who loved her dearly.

"She loved gardening, it was her great love. She was always out there. She used to advise us all on our gardens. She was a very strong, tall and slim woman, but she was also very caring."

Born in Liverpool on May 21, 1922, Mrs Sully was a talented swimmer and athlete who represented Lancashire.

She volunteered for the RAF and was posted to the heavy bomber base in the east coast of England.

During RAF service, she met her first husband, Robert Gray, a pilot flying Stirling and Halifax bombers.

Their son Robert was born while they were stationed at Lichfield, Staffordshire, in 1944.

After the war, the couple's marriage ended and Mrs Sully moved to Horfield with her son.

She then married Michael Sully in 1949 and set up home in Horfield, where her second son Stephen was born.

In 1965, the couple moved to Banwell, Somerset, but she returned to Bristol when Mr Sully died in 1991.

Mrs Sully was also survived by four grandchildren.

Bristol Evening Post