A WOMAN who fled the Nazis in occupied Belgium and went on to serve as a doctor, Justice of the Peace, councillor and advocate of many causes in Farnham has died aged 85 with her family by her side.

Dr Marie-Genevieve Lane – or Genny as she was popularly known – was born in Liege, Belgium, on October 11, 1929, and as a teenager during the Second World War helped her father - a member of the Belgian resistance - smuggle illegal contraband across Nazi checkpoints in the basket of her bicycle.

Fraught with fear of being caught, Genny’s mother kept packed suitcases permanently at the door of their home and in 1944 the capture of a fellow resistance fighter prompted Genny, her parents and two younger sisters to flee for good - escaping by ship to Canada after a perilous journey over the Ardennes mountains and through occupied France.

In Canada, Genny learned fluent English, graduated from high school and studied medicine at university before embarking for Britain in 1961 - going on to enjoy a long career specialising in paediatrics and community health followed by 16 years’ service as a magistrate.

She married Farnham councillor Bill Lane and moved to the area in 1992, where she became involved in many different activities.

Genny was a champion of causes, working with Transform Housing and Support, the Dempster Trust, League of Friends of Farnham Hospital, Victim Support and the Jeananne Medd Trust, and she was an active Rotarian.

Following her husband into politics, she was elected a borough councillor for Farnham, Wrecclesham and Rowledge from 1999 to 2007 and also served on Waverley’s executive committee as portfolio holder for housing and community welfare.

She was presented with a cut glass decanter by The Countess of Wessex in 2006 in recognition of her work with Transform, and in further recognition of her voluntary services to the community Genny was awarded an MBE in the 2014 New Year’s Honours List.

Diana Martin, chairman of the Friends of Farnham Hospital who nominated Dr Lane for her MBE, said: “Dr Genny Lane, a kind and compassionate lady, supported the Friends of Farnham Hospital for many years where she was a keen advocate volunteering, advising and helping whenever or wherever required.

“An inspiration to others, she worked hard in her professional, private and volunteering life, tirelessly dedicating herself to people in need.

“There are few people who leave a beneficial or lasting legacy in one area but Genny transformed the lives of numerous people and organisations and the Friends are thankful for her commitment to the hospital.

“She will be very much missed by family, colleagues and by the Friends, patients and staff of Farnham Hospital and Centre for Health.”

Paul Mitchell, chief executive of Transform, added: “It was a privilege working with Genny. She was a genuine lady, who was caring, compassionate and always full of energy. We are all deeply saddened by her death and thankful for her support for Transform over the years.”

Genny is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Wendy and Matt, and her grandsons Nicholas and Robert.

Her funeral will be a small family event, but should her many friends and acquaintances wish to say a final farewell, they are very welcome to visit the Chapel of Rest (by arrangement) anytime until Thursday, September 10.

To arrange an appointment, call Ford Mears and Partners at 26 Frimley High Street, Frimley, on 01276 25563. Donations may be sent to Transform Housing And Support or Victim Support.