A ‘STRONG willed, determined and extraordinary woman’ died in hospital after becoming hypothermic following a fall at her home, a court heard.

Freda Dunne, aged 92, was found lying on the floor when police eventually secured assess to her property in Grange-over-Sands on December 4 last year.

Cockermouth Coroners Court heard concerns from family members became ‘more and more pressing’ after unsuccessful attempts were made to contact her between December 1 – December 2.

Coroner Robert Cohen said the former shop manageress at Marks & Spencer’s, was cold to touch and was presenting with signs of hypothermia when police found her lying on the floor.

The court heard Freda was alert to voice but was confused and unable to communicate.

She was transported to Furness General Hospital’s A&E department where staff described her as being ‘very unwell’ upon her arrival.

Freda died the following morning in hospital on December 5 around 6:00 am, the court was told.

The court heard her house was ‘freezing cold’ and that her central heating system was not working properly.

A pen portrait from her niece described how Freda was passionate about dogs and gardening.

Her niece added: “She enjoyed many happy outings with her best friend in Grange-over-Sands.

“She was always full of energy and very independent. She was smart, curious of the world and always very talkative. A phone conversation typically lasted over an hour.”

Mr Cohen concluded Freda’s death was accidental as a result of 1A, hypothermia and sepsis, 1B, fall and 2, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and atrial defibrillation.

He said: “It is clear Freda was a much-loved member of her family. She was clearly a strong willed, determined and extraordinary woman who knew her mind.

"Her family must have a real gap in their lives following her death.

“Sadly, in later life through becoming somewhat frail, she was perhaps not finding life as easy on her own.

“Her nieces struggled to persuade her to accept help but did their best to provide that help.

“In 2021 she told her GP how she was happy and in perfect health."