VILLAGERS in Milverton were overwhelmed this week after inheriting a £70,000 fortune left by a reclusive widow few of them even knew.
Vera Katuszonek, who died in June aged 69, had lived in her terraced house in the village for nearly 50 years.
Mrs Katuszonek's love for the area stretched as far as to leaving her estate to be shared equally among seven of the village's organisations, although she was a member of none of them.
Milverton's dramatic society, village hall, recreation ground, horticultural society, women's institute, conservation society and twinning association will receive £10,000 each.
Most of the organisations do not know what they will do with their share of the money.
Locally-born, Mrs Katuszonek settled in "The Forge" after marrying a Polish serviceman at the end of World War Two.
She and her husband Peter, a factory worker, known locally as Peter the Pole, had no children and few relatives.
Mr Katuszonek died more than 20 years ago and to make ends meet Mrs Katuszonek even did a local paper round.
Although she was a familiar sight to villagers walking her dog Toddy, only a couple of people actually knew her.
One of her few friends, neighbour Shirley Blagden, said: "She was a private person who didn't want to socialise or go anywhere but she was always a likeable person and never gloomy.
"I got to know her well through our dogs because we met most days when taking them for walks.
"Local people are amazed at her depth of feeling for the village and what it meant to her. Now of course it is too late to thank her."
The seven organisations who are benefiting from her generosity are meeting soon to decide how best to use the money.
One suggestion is that they may put the money together to set up a scholarship in her honour.
Parish council clerk Peter Gladwin said Mrs Katuszonek obviously felt grateful to the village even though she did not belong to any of the organisations.
"Vera was a private, retiring little lady and few got to know her although she was liked and respected," he said.
"It was a tremendous and touching gesture of gratitude to the village where she lived most of her life."
David Adam, of the Milverton Society, said he was staggered by the amount Mrs Katuszonek left and saddened that he and fellow villagers did not get to know her.
Recreation ground trustee Chris Greenhow commented: "Her bequest came like a bolt out of the blue and we're all so grateful because it is a battle to keep going and the £10,000 will help so much."
Mrs Katuszonek was cremated at Taunton Crematorium and her ashes were returned to her sister.
Solicitor Nick Williams, of Wellington, who has informed the organisations of the bequest, said: " Mrs Katuszonek told me she was so happy living in Milverton and she had a high regard for the village.
"Her sister is perfectly happy with how the estate has been left and there is no resentment."