The funeral service takes place today of the woman dubbed the ‘Mother of Southampton’.

More than 1,000 people are expected to pay their respected to Mata Kuldip Kaur.

Kuldip Kaur had lived in the city for more than half-a-century, had over 130 immediate family members, including 85 great grandchildren.

She died on March 3 at the age of 97 at her home in Cranbury Avenue, Newtown.

A special public ceremony will take place at Gurdwara Tegh Bahadur Sahib, in St Marks Road, on today where her family say around 1,000 people are expected to pay their respects.

The public ceremony, at 10.30am, will be followed by a service at Southampton Crematorium, in Bassett Green Road, at 1.15pm.

Kuldip Kaur arrived as a first generation Sikh to Southampton in the late 1950s, settling alongside her children and husband Jaswant Singh Potiwal.

While living in the city Kuldip would go on to have seven sons and one daughter Shashi Nidi, 31 grandchildren, plus her great grandchildren and 18 great, great grandchildren.

In the picture above, she is shown with her sons Dara Singh, Avtar Singh, Manmohan Singh, Gurmit Singh (Tony), Mann Singh, Raginder Singh (Reg) and Satvir Singh.

Son Satvir Singh said: “Every mother is special to their children, she would guide you, give you wisdom and tell you off when necessary.

“When you were in the wrong her punishment would be the silent treatment, but I always knew that wouldn’t last as she would feel guilty.

“Mum would always tell me stories about Pakistan and India, some were scary some were so loving.

“Mum saw me grow into the man I am today a husband, father and grandfather.

“I can hold my head up high and say mum it was an honour and a privilege to be called your son.

“I hope you rest in peace my angel.”

Another son, Raginder Singh, added: “Thank you for giving my life, thank you for sharing your life with me, you will always be my guardian most of all you will always be my queen.”

Her grandsons also paid tribute. Pupinder Singh said: “I promise I will always carry on your legacy you have left behind and be the man you taught me to be.”

Ratan Singh, Grandson of Kuldip Kaur added: “She has gone but will never be forgotten.”