A senior whose love of charity and walking led her to cross the island on the annual End-to-End dozens of times was remembered in the House of Assembly for “selfless service”.

David Burt paid tribute to Joan Dismont of the Pembroke Park neighbourhood for “a life well lived, someone we will all miss, someone we greatly cherish”.

The Premier offered condolences to her family, noting she had been awarded the Queen’s Certificate and Badge of Honour in 2004 for her dedicated service.

She was mother-in-law to Martha Dismont, a social worker and counsellor who died last week.

Ms Dismont, who was also known for her elegant dress, told of her love of fitness at the Glamour Granny competition that she won in 2008.

“I am the only participant who has walked the End-to-End every year since it started and I plan on continuing the walk until I turn 80,” she said. “I enjoy helping people and I keep myself very active."

She said she was heavily involved with a string of charities: Meals on Wheels, the National Trust, YouthNet, Pembroke Community Centre, Seniors Learning Centre and the Somerset Stage Group.

Ms Dismont added that she had been born into a family of ten children and was unable to finish school — with one of her greatest achievements being earning a Teacher’s Assistant degree in childcare from the Bermuda College at the age of 70.

“When this opportunity came up, I was determined to get my degree and did what ever it took,” she said.

Ms Dismont signed up in 1988 for the first-ever Bermuda End-to-End, telling The Royal Gazette 25 years later: “Perhaps the reason I like to walk is because my mother said I was born feet first.”

Over the years she estimated that she raised more than $70,000 for worthwhile causes.

Ms Dismont enjoyed singing and performing with the Somerset Stage Group, and was an accomplished dancer.

• Joan Louise Dismont, a driving force for charity in Bermuda, was born on November 3, 1929. She died in July 2023, aged 93