Olga Scott, who championed a charity for at-risk young women, was a “kind and compassionate woman” who “exemplified the very essence of public service”, according to David Burt, the Premier.

Mr Burt paid tribute to Mrs Scott, the wife of former Premier Alex Scott, who has died at age 83.

The mother of Robyn Eve and Lawrence Scott, the Minister of Transport, Mrs Scott was appointed to the Order of the British Empire in 2009 for her services to the health, education and development of Bermuda's youth.

Mr Burt hailed her as “the visionary behind Teen Services and the fulfilment of its mission to provide support and counselling to teens and young mothers”.

“From her arrival in Bermuda in 1967, through those early days of building community trust and establishing these new services for Bermuda, Olga Scott has been a social service pioneer.”

Mrs Scott originally came to the island as a social worker on a two-year contract to get the children’s welfare programme started, and remained dedicated to Teen Services for more than 50 years.

Mrs Scott was a graduate of South Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology.

She also held a Master’s degree in educational counselling and guidance from Indiana University.

Mrs Scott served as Teen Services executive director for 21 years and followed that tenure as an active board member, representing the entity on the Caribbean Family Planning Board.

Mr Burt said: “During her husband’s premiership, Olga Scott was a constant and reassuring presence, ably supporting him through the rigours of public service.

“Her strength and dignity was inspiring and with her characteristic charm and sense of humour she served as an equal partner for her husband during his time as Premier and in ministerial office.”

He added: “On a personal note, Lady Scott, as we referred to her, was incredibly kind to my wife, Kristin, offering advice and support from her experience.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Bermuda I extend sincerest condolences to her family.

“As we mourn her loss and extend comfort to her husband, children and grandchildren, we remember a woman who took Bermuda and her people into her heart and in her own words said simply, `This is my home. That’s it!”