TRIBUTES have been made to a ‘terrific priest’ who cared ‘in the most wonderful way’ for her congregation.

Rev Heather Buckley, the former vicar of Goostrey, died at the weekend following a short illness, less than a year after retiring.

Her death was announced on Sunday by Rev Canon Christine Broad at St Luke's Church, where parishioners had been praying for her recovery since she suffered a stroke last month.

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The venerable Ian Bishop, Archdeacon of Macclesfield, said: “Heather was much loved in the church and in the wider community.

“During her time at St Luke’s, she brought a real sense of hope.

“She had a pastor’s heart and cared in the most wonderful way for her congregation, her colleagues and the wider village.”

Heather was the first female vicar in the 1,000-year-old parish.

“It was always a joy to spend time with her and she was a terrific priest,” said Ian.

“Her deep faith, generosity and love shone through all that she did and her death has left everyone who knew her saddened.

“My prayers are especially for her family and friends, who have lost a remarkable and lovely person from their lives.”

Since leaving the village, Heather returned to Goostrey on a number of occasions to take services and conduct funerals.

She led the funeral service of 100-year-old Margaret Kettle who died in December, a month after her birthday.

Heather served at St Luke's for four-and-a-half years.

She said she felt sad as her retirement meant she could no longer live in the parish, where she had made many friendships among regular and non-members of the congregation.

Much of her time in the village was during the Covid pandemic when she brought great comfort to many who were ill and families that suffered bereavement during the lockdown.

Heather launched the Soupa Soup scheme, delivering a weekly lunch of soup and a roll to elderly people isolating in the village.

A team of volunteers made soups and delivered them to people at home every Friday.

Despite the restrictions of lockdown and with church services suspended, Heather maintained her pastoral duties throughout the pandemic.

Speaking at her retirement, Heather said getting out and about and meeting people in the village had been a wonderful experience.

She told parishioners:"Thank you St Luke’s and Goostrey for all you have brought into my life.

“I have loved sharing my life with you and belonging to your community.

"I leave with a bundle of fun-filled joyful memories we have shared and with some shared sad parts of people’s lives tucked in my heart.

"You will remain in my heart and prayers.”