27 November 2011 Last updated at 07:20 ET

Nellie Geraghty death: Two boys quizzed over murder

Mrs Geraghty's husband Frank died 17 years ago

A murder investigation has begun after the death of a woman in Greater Manchester during an apparent mugging.

Nellie Geraghty, 79, died in Oldham Hospital on Friday, a day after being found with head injuries in Shaw.

Police think she was hurt as she tried to stop her handbag containing her late husband's ashes being stolen. Two boys, 17 and 14, who were questioned over her death have been bailed until 9 January.

Mrs Geraghty's family has paid tribute to the "best mum in the world".

In a statement, her family said: "Nellie is much loved and will always be remembered by all her friends and family.

"Heaven will be blessed with your presence. Our sad loss is heaven's gain.

"We will miss you terribly. Until we meet again, my mum, my sister, my friend, rest in peace."

Nellie Geraghty was found with the strap of the bag still in her hand

The former school cleaner and cotton mill worker was found near her home in Shaw, on a path at the junction of Kershaw Street and Victoria Street, just before noon on Thursday.

Her handbag was missing but the strap was still in her hand.

In the bag, she kept the ashes of her husband, Frank, a former cotton mill worker who died 17 years ago.

The couple had four children.

The two teenagers who were questioned about Mrs Geraghty's death were originally arrested on suspicion of robbery.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.