FAMILY and close friends gathered in Tewantin today to share laughs, hugs and tears in memory of friend, mother and grandmother Barbara Callcott. 

Thousands of Australians will remember Barbara as "Mrs Marsh'' the face of Colgate toothpaste ads  throughout the 1970s and 80s.

The sounds of laughter, music and crying filled Drysdale Funeral homes as about 70 people remembered with great fondness the fun-filled, loving nature of Ms Callcott.

Ms Callcott, who had six grandchildren, died on May 10 after battling with cancer.

Colgate announced after her death it would establish an education grant in the name of the Noosa local.

In the television ads, Mrs Marsh was the teacher who dips chalk into ink to show children how toothpaste could protect teeth.

She starred in the advertisements for many years, the final ones last year.

Ms Callcott had lived on the Coast for more than 20 years.