Widdecombe was described as a frequent worshipper in the Abbey Church at Buckfast Abbey, where the community said she would be “missed and fondly remembered”.
The monastic community extended “its heartfelt condolences to her family and friends”.
Meanwhile, her former long-time driver Peter Horrall, who had laid flowers near her home, reflected on a “great, very kind” lady.
It had been “a privilege” to drive her, he said.
“I liked her because if you asked her a question, you’d get an answer – no mucking about.”
In the nearby village of Ilsington, a short drive away along the winding Devon roads, Widdecombe was often seen at the local shop.
She had always made time for a “smile and a wave”, said villagers there, with resident Jane Parsons adding the ongoing police investigation had left them “worried”.
Uniformed police officers have been going door-to-door, checking on people as well as asking for information that may help.
As those inquiries continue, villagers can only sit tight, wait for more news and reflect.
