A FRIEND of a pensioner who died in her Earley home last weekend has paid tribute to an "extrovert".

Josephine Williamson worked as a PE teacher at Alfred Sutton School, Reading, in the 1970's.

Judy McCoskery, who also worked at the Wokingham Road school at the time, said she was devastated when she read the news.

Mrs McCoskery said: "I used to work with Josephine.

"We used to exchange Christmas cards every year.

"I lead the team of PE teachers at Alfred Sutton School at the time, she was a really strong personality.

"Everyone knew her."

Mrs Williamson was found dead at her home in Elm Lane on Saturday, sparking a murder investigation by Thames Valley Police.

An elderly man was also found in the house with stomach injuries and was flown to the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford, where he remains.

Mrs McCoskery, from Cheshire, added: "She was an extrovert, she had lots of energy.

"She always came into work filled with energy.

"We had a really good time back then, we had a fantastic couple of year together.

"We really enjoyed out job, and not many people can say that."

Police are treating the 83-year-old's death as unexplained and have described it as an "isolated incident".

Neighbours were also shocked when they heard officers descending on the home on Saturday morning.

One resident said: "I could not believe it, there were police in vans everywhere.

"We thought there had been an intruder in their house, that was the first thought.

"There was an ambulance there first.

"Then I heard the sound of the police cars and the crunch of the gravel as they approached."

Do you know Mrs Williamson? Please send us your tributes to news@readingchronicle.co.uk