Neighbourhood group spokesman John Trollor said Ms Gnocchi had worked long and hard hours in the store for years, sometimes opening up when many were still in bed.

"Often, she has been running the store on her own but always with a smile, courtesy, happy service and a chat. She has always gone out of her way to be helpful," Mr Trollor said.

"For Perthvillians she has been the gold standard of service.

"We will miss her but take heart that we may still see her smile in action at Silva's Newsagency in Howick Street which now had the benefit of her experience."

Ms Gnocchi was presented with a bouquet of flowers from the Perthville Neighbourhood Group as a farewell gift, and some feed for her horses from Perthville Feed and Rural.