Born in Zimbabwe – then known as Rhodesia – she worked all over the world before she and husband Alan settled in Park Fold, Mytholmroyd.

Patricia ran a sculpture centre in Africa, worked in Rome and created one of the two memorials to mark the Bradford City fire disaster.

Her early life in Africa encouraged an interest in wildlife and figures – and that helped to cultivate her painting and sculpting skills.

She went to boarding school then won a scholarship to Durban College of Art.

While there she was awarded the Emma Smith Travelling Scholarship, which allowed her to study art and sculpture at Goldsmiths College, London, the UK's leading creative college.

She later took part in several exhibitions in London before returning to work in Zimbabwe with African sculptor Lazarus Khumalo.

The two opened a sculpture centre to teach Africans how to carve and create sculpture.

Patricia later won a scholarship to the Accademia di Belle Arti in Rome, where she remained for several years before returning to the UK.

Back in Britain, she met her husband, engineer Alan Lacey.

The pair had the same circle of friends and married in 1974 and moved to Mytholmroyd.

Throughout her life Patricia was commissioned to create a number of world-acclaimed pieces.

She has also been featured in Vogue.

Patricia was commissioned to create one of the memorials to commemorate the loss of 56 supporters in the fire at Bradford City's Valley Parade game against Lincoln in 1985.

The memorial is now situated at the end of the stand where the fatal blaze began.

Patricia leaves a daughter, Rowanna, and husband Alan.

He said: "She will be sadly missed by all who knew her – particularly her painting class friends in Luddenden.

"Calderdale has lost a very talented and inspirational artist."

The funeral is on Monday at St Michael's, Mytholmroyd, at 2pm.