A WOMAN has paid tribute to her daughter who was found dead at a house in Leominster.

Retired nurse Anne Lewis was found on the patio of her Westcroft home by neighbours on October 4.

An inquest into the 68-year-old's death heard a window above where her body was found was open.

During the hearing, at Hereford Town Hall, county coroner Mark Bricknell read out a statement written by Mrs Lewis' daughter in which she described her mum as "shy but very capable".

"She trained as a nurse and a midwife, then a sister," said Debbie Stocker.

"She became a valuable member of the community in Leominster having returned there in 2005 and volunteered at Croft Castle [in Yarpole] where she was a guide."

Mrs Stocker said she understood her mother received treatment for depression and that symptoms of anxiety had returned in July this year, but added she didn't have any concerns she may take her own life.

"She had researched private counsellors and seemed to be taking positive steps in seeking the treatment she needed.

"She didn't express any suicidal thoughts to me."

Mrs Stocker's thoughts were echoed by health professionals including counsellor Gail Venables who had three sessions with Mrs Lewis.

She told the inquest, again through a written statement, that Mrs Lewis had been getting "flashbacks" from a previous marriage which ended in divorce, but was told by her that she was not considering suicide because of her love for her daughter.

Medical notes from her GP, Dr Liz Gwilliam, confirmed Mrs Lewis had a history of anxiety and depression.

Pathologist Dr Elsie Wessels said Mrs Lewis died from extensive skull fractures.

Recording an open verdict, Mr Bricknell said he couldn't be satisfied Mrs Lewis intended to take her own life.

"I think I am satisfied that the deceased did take her own life but I'm not satisfied she intended to do so," he said.

"I think it's likely that she intended to but I cannot exclude the possibility of an unfortunate accident."