Muriel Archer, a missionary and teacher who died in the UK aged 96, has been remembered as a driving force behind Bermuda’s hospice.

Agape House, which opened in 1991, was boosted by the formation of charity group Friends of Hospice in 1994.

Ms Archer was a founding member of Friends of Hospice and served with Hilary Soares, founder of cancer charity Pals and Agape House, on its first board.

Jane Bermingham, chairman of the board, said Mrs Archer was someone who had “experienced the pain of war first-hand” as a young prisoner in a Japanese camp during the Second World War.

Ms Bermingham said Ms Archer was “very empathetic”.

She added: “She was very outspoken and had forceful views which were respected.

“Her contributions were greatly valued. She was a dedicated, energetic volunteer as well as a board member.”

Her years of service were commemorated with the Muriel Archer Sanctuary, a sitting area made of Bermuda stone next to Agape House which includes a plaque dedicated to Ms Archer.

Ms Bermingham said: “Muriel was really taken aback emotionally as she stated many hundreds of people were more worthy than her — typical of Muriel’s humbleness.”