FAMILY and friends have paid tribute to a much-loved and devoted wife, mother and grandmother who has died after contracting coronavirus.

Pauline Demaline, 56, of Silsden, died on Monday at Airedale General Hospital.

Hers is one of nine deaths reported to have occurred at the hospital from coronavirus so far.

Her husband Nigel paid a moving tribute to her in a Facebook post and called on the community to be aware that Covid-19 was in their midst and to stay safe during the pandemic, particularly urging youngsters to be aware that their families were susceptible too.

In the post he said: “Sadly I have to announce the death of my wife Pauline on Monday this week at Airedale.

“The staff were brilliant and I know now from experience that they are risking themselves to exposure.

“Although she was really ill and would in all probability have died very soon, if not at the same time, the death certificate will show the primary cause of death as Covid19.

“It’s here in Silsden and very real so please, please, please make sure your family are safe and that the youngsters realise that they and their families are susceptible too. (Not meant as a lecture).”

Mrs Demaline was a parish administrator of Holy Trinity Parish Church, Skipton.

The Rev Ruth Harris, vicar of Christ Church Skipton with St Mary Carleton in Craven and Area Dean for Skipton, said: “I am so very sorry to hear the sad news of Pauline’s death.

“Words cannot express the sadness that her family will be feeling at this time.

“All I can say is that we hold Pauline, her family and loved ones, in our hearts and our prayers at this time.”

A public notice published in the T&A’s sister paper the Craven Herald on Thursday said she was a “loving and much-loved wife of Nigel, dearly loved mum of Ash and daughter-in-law Gemma and devoted nanna of Bonnie. A private cremation will take place.”

Mr Demaline’s post had attracted 405 comments and 395 shares by Thursday afternoon with many people paying tribute to Mrs Demaline and commiserating with the family’s loss.

Mr Demaline said in response: “I would like to thank all of you for your kind comments, reactions and shares. There’s just too many to respond to individually but I have read and absorbed each and every one.

“Again Thank you!”

Mel Akeroyd was one of those who posted, saying: “My heart goes out to you as this extremely sad time. Rest in peace Pauline.”

Janet Ellis said: “Oh Nigel, so very sorry for your loss. Thank you for warning people.”

Vicky Bottomley posted: “Sincere condolences and thank you for highlighting this to the younger generation of Silsden.”

Mags Croft wrote: “Nigel I am so sorry for your loss,I worked with Pauline at the Craven and we became good friends for a while.She was such a lovely ,funny lady and we had many laughs together with Marlene in the office. I used to see you both often in the park with your dogs and little Bonnie. Lots of love to you and all your family. R.I.P Pauline. Xxxxx”

No further deaths at the hospital have been reported by NHS England since yesterday's update.