TRIBUTES have been paid to “an amazing lady” who “always thought of others”.

Pauline Jaffray BEM passed away on Saturday afternoon, nearly three years after she was diagnosed with stage three ovarian cancer.

The founder and former editor of East Lothian Life magazine was surrounded by family at St Columba’s Hospice in Edinburgh.

Ms Jaffray, 65, had previously walked part of the Sahara Desert and had abseiled off the Glasgow Marriott Hotel for Macmillan Cancer Support.

She was diagnosed with cancer in October 2019.

Her son Sandy said: “Her battle with cancer was two-and-a-half years, three years come October, and she was very determined.

“She put herself through all the treatment and would try any option she could from doctors and always with a thank you.

'Always thinking of others'

“She battled throughout this illness and she did it for her family: her mum Norma is still alive and my dad David Pate, her husband; she was always thinking of others right to the very end. She would always say please and thank you, even when not very well.

“All the doctors and nurses that cared for her were very fond of her.”

Ms Jaffray, who was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant for East Lothian in 2016, was born at the Vert Hospital in Haddington and grew up at Thornton Glen, near Innerwick, where her grandparents owned a small holding.

However, the family moved south to Morpeth due to her father’s work.

She attended Dunbar Grammar School for a short time and later returned to the town and worked for a publicist.

She established PJ Design in 1986 before launching East Lothian Life three years later.

Ms Jaffray ran the magazine until last year and published 115 issues.

'A big part of the community'

She was involved with a number of community groups, including East Lammermuir Community Council and Haddington Farmers’ Market, and championed the county, running East Lothian Life for more than 30 years, and volunteering with groups including Dunbar Trades’ Association and Innerwick Flower Show.

Sandy added: “She is a big part of the community and these different areas. That was recognised and rewarded with some recognition with her British Empire Medal (BEM) and her status as Deputy Lieutenant.

“It was nice to know all this hard work she put in over the years helping others, her business and the community was not unnoticed.”

Roderick Urquhart, East Lothian’s Lord Lieutenant, described Ms Jaffray as “greatly respected and liked”.

He said: “Pauline was an amazing lady who did so much for East Lothian, which she loved.

“She was full of enthusiasm and possessed a huge depth and breadth of interest and knowledge of her local community, and across the county.

“She was acutely perceptive, and little passed her by. She had a great understanding of people and how to get things done.

“She used these qualities to great effect and consequently achieved so much during her lifetime, including publishing East Lothian Life, helping set up and run the Haddington Farmers’ Market, fundraising for Macmillan Cancer Relief Appeal, whilst all along promoting local business and carrying out many voluntary roles in and about Dunbar.”

'A force to be reckoned with'

Mr Urquhart described Ms Jaffray’s local knowledge as “invaluable” and said she carried out her duties as a Deputy Lieutenant “very conscientiously”.

He added: “It was always interesting and fun to meet with her and to talk over all sorts of issues that were close to her heart and relevant to East Lothian. She was greatly respected and liked.

“She will be sorely missed by so many across the county.”

John McMillan, Provost of East Lothian, was full of praise for Ms Jaffray.

He said: “Always active and engaged in events in and around Dunbar and promoting the High Street, Pauline was a kind and hardworking Deputy Lieutenant.

“We met in July at Haddington Show when Pauline toured the East Fortune site.

“As ever, her thoughts were about support for businesses, food and drink and tourism, the farmers’ market and Innerwick Flower Show.

“Her love for David, Sandy and her family always shone through.

“Her quiet sense of humour and dedication to her favourite causes made Pauline a force to be reckoned with. We’ll miss her smile and kindness, and will always remember all Pauline did for others and for East Lothian.”

Her funeral will take place at Innerwick Parish Church; the date has still to be confirmed.