Tributes have been flooding in for ‘generous, genuine, warm-hearted, beautiful, caring’ Bridgee Malone, who died suddenly last week.

Bridgee, 55, of Armytage Road, Budleigh Salterton, was a colourful character, much-loved by everyone who knew her.

A decorator and interior designer by profession, Bridgee (pictured right) believed decorating to be an ‘art form’ and used many of her studio techniques and materials in her day-to-day job.

Her family say she was known for raising a smile from the grumpiest person, and touched the lives of everyone who met her.

In the early 90s, she was part of Speakeezy, helping to host free parties in the area.

Bridgee was known in the town for speaking out against injustice, and campaigned passionately for what she believed.

In recent years, she successfully took on the town council and won the right to keep chickens on her Greenway Lane allotment plot.

Latterly, she publicly voiced her concerns about the proposed development of the allotments – the cause was close to her heart, but Bridgee’s sense of fun shone through with her home-made scarecrow campaigner ‘Estelle’.

Called a best friend, art mentor, beautiful soul, cheeky, smart, stubborn, and mother-figure by friends, daughter Lucy Malone said her mother instilled in her a love for life.

“I will remember my mum for how much love she could give, she cared so much and was there for me and so many people,” said Lucy.

“I am so proud of her for what she gave to the world, and what she gave me.”

Bridgee’s partner, Simon Wood, said: “Bridgee made my world complete. I’m so glad for the time that we had in this world.”

Nathalie Lomas posted on social network site Facebook: “You have coloured my life with rainbows.”

Jackie Holmes wrote: “The world has lost a very special lady… you really did brighten my life.”

Budleigh town councillor Caz Sismore-Hunt said Bridgee’s death would be a ‘great loss’ to the town, adding: “She was very driven to whatever cause she believed in.”

Bridgee Malone died peacefully at home on August 9, 2011, surrounded by her artwork in her studio.

She was a loving partner of Simon, beloved mum to Lucy, elder sister of Lisette and Rachel, aunty to Natasha and a good friend to many.

Bridgee’s funeral will be held at 9.45am on Friday, August 19, at Exeter Crematorium, in St Peter’s Chapel, then on to Knowle Village Hall. Food and drink donations welcome.

The family have asked for colourful clothes to be worn.

Family and close friends flowers only. Donations may be made in Bridgee’s memory to the Blue Cross or the Cats Protection League.