A 95-year-old Wellington woman is still suffering the shock of receiving a letter referring to her as having ‘passed away’.

Mary Ridgeway, who has been in a local home for the elderly for the past year, says she knows who is behind the so-called mistake.

Mrs Ridgeway, whose husband Eric died 11 years ago, has only recently sold her house in Buckwell to pay for the care she is receiving.

But late last month a letter arrived at her old home addressed to the ‘personal representative of Mrs M Ridgeway’ sent by the nearby Waitrose store.

On headed John Lewis Partnership paper, the letter stated: “We are informed that the Grantee (that is Mrs Ridgeway) has passed away. As a result, since the licence was personal to the Grantee, we write to notify you that the licence will terminate.”

Mrs Ridgeway explained: “Some years ago when Waitrose was built I (the Grantee) was given the right of way relating to land at 34-46 High Street. Obviously they have been told by someone that I have died and Waitrose have decided to revoke it.

“I haven’t felt too well recently and I’m wandering if this is the reason. It’s not very funny having a letter like this. At my age I have some health issues and this doesn’t help.”

Mrs Ridgeway had three grown-up sons but one has since died.