Noted Millicent identity Joan Chewings died in hospital on Friday just shy of her 90th birthday.

As well as raising two sons and two daughters, Mrs Chewings was involved in the business, sporting, cultural and educational aspects of Millicent.

Active well into her eighties, Mrs Chewings was a resident of Boneham Aged Care Services in her final years.

A daughter of the Millicent postmaster Oliver Edlington, Mrs Chewings came to the town with her family whilst in her mid-teens in 1947.

After tertiary training in Adelaide, she was a dedicated teacher at the Mount Burr and Millicent South (now Newbery Park) primary schools.

Her late husband Bob Chewings was the editor/co-owner of The South Eastern Times from 1952-89 and she gave him whole-hearted support in the newspaper business and in his Rotary Club membership over many years.

Ms Chewings enjoyed playing at the Millicent Golf Club while craft activities with the Millicent Craft Group and gardening were among her pastimes.

Another passion was the Millicent Public Library and she was involved in its oral history projects.

She was a devout member of the congregation of St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church and served in many areas including priest’s warden, benefactor and organist.

Her interest in church affairs extended to being a key member of the organisation now known as ac.care.

Known for her warmth and kindliness, Mrs Chewings was devoted to her family and enjoyed the company of all.

She had the distinction of being among “the Seven” which established one of the state’s oldest theatre groups 72 years ago.

The genesis of the Company of Seven occurred in the Millicent Anglican Parish Hall in 1949.

Her funeral is being held at 2.30pm on Thursday at St Michael and All Angels Anglican Church in Millicent where the church flag has been flying at half-mast all week.

It will be led by her son-in-law and Anglican priest Father Noel Oakey.