RECLUSIVE Second World War spy Eileen Nearne will get a proper burial after offers to pay for her funeral poured in.
We revealed yesterday that brave Eileen, 89, was found dead in her flat and officials were unable to trace any family.
Personal documents revealed she had been tortured and escaped three times from the SS in occupied France where she was an undercover radio operator.
Eileen was due to be cremated in a cheap funeral in Torquay paid for by the council with costs claimed from her estate.
tiffany silver ringBut after we highlighted her wartime heroism, volunteers offered to help fund a more fitting send-off.
T h e Royal British Legion will attend and the Foreign Office may send a representative.
The original funeral set for next Tuesday has been postponed and a new date will be now be found.
Torbay Council said it had received offers from war veterans, historians and members of the public willing to pay.
A spokesman said: "We are liaising with the Royal British Legion so Ms Nearne can be laid to rest with the dignity and respect she deserves."
ed hardy hoodiesJohn Pentreath, of the British Legion, promised: "We will do her proud."
Eileen's niece - who lives in Italy and does not want to be named - yesterday paid tribute to her aunt and revealed Basketball Shoes she wanted her ashes scattered at sea.
She said: "I am very touched to hear the Royal British Legion are keen to honour her. She was extremely modest and highly courageous."
Eileen, whose Special Operations Executive codename was Rose, spoke fluent French and spied there under the covername Mlle du Tort. She was later awarded an MBE and lived in London but moved to Devon two decades ago.
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