MORE heartfelt tributes have poured in for a “kind” and “hard-working” former Colchester mayor and councillor who has died.
Mary Fairhead OBE, a former Colchester mayor from 1995 to 1996, has died at the age of 94 on May 18.
For 26 years from 1976 to 2002, Mrs Fairhead proudly served Colchester and was instrumental in helping raise funds to launch St Helena Hospice.
She is credited with discovering Myland Hall, which St Helena Hospice calls home.
She was passionate about Colchester’s rich history and served many years as a Blue Badge town guide.
In her personal life, she was married to Richard Fairhead, an Essex county councillor, who died in 1995, and the proud mother of Sue Bunting, and grandmother to Tom and Kate.
More tributes have now been paid to the honorary alderman who also helped establish the Mercury Theatre.
Robert Davidson joined the council in 1998.
He said: “In her public life, Mary will be remembered as an active campaigner with strong opinions who upheld high moral values.
“She was loving, kind and always encouraging - an example for others to follow.”
Sonia Lewis, who was a councillor from 1988 to 2014, said: “She was a hard-working councillor and we as new councillors didn’t make it until we were ‘handbagged’ by Mary.”
“She was a very close friend, she was an exceptional lady. I think she stood out as she was always so well dressed - as a mother, wife, community person.
“She cared for and looked after people who needed help regardless of their situation, I don’t think she ever said no.”
Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell added his tribute to Mrs Fairhead.
He said: “Although the areas we represented, and the political parties we represented, were completely different, we had a shared love for all that is best about Colchester.
“Quite simply, she was a remarkable Colcestrian, who loved Colchester and its traditions.
“A lasting legacy of hers is St Helena Hospice, she was one of the founding members of this amazing place.
"It is thanks to her determination, and others like her, that the hospice came about.”
Essex County Council leader Kevin Bentley said: “I had the great privilege to know Mary very well and an even greater privilege to succeed her representing the people of Layer de la Haye and surrounding villages on the council, originally with the late and great Peter Crowe and latterly with Andrew Ellis and Jackie Maclean.
“Mary was a tremendous local councillor who truly believed in helping people and she had a huge sense of justice standing up for individuals and communities.
“I learnt a great deal from Mary and now many years later her tuition still is extremely relevant.
“Mary was an exceptional mayor of the then borough of Colchester and welcomed many residents into the town hall.
“She will be sorely missed by everyone who knew her, she is simply irreplaceable.”
Dr Elizabeth Hall, one of the founders of St Helena Hospice, has shared her tribute.
"She was a very hard working councillor, she stood up for Colchester and was very proud of it, all her focus was on the good of Colchester.
"She worked very hard for hospice, she was involved for choosing original furnishings for it as well.
The last time I saw her I was taking my husband to an aldermans meeting at town hall.
"She was in great form, always ready to take part in discussions that were going to be aimed at improving the city.
"I always enjoyed her company and we had a laugh."
The Mayor of Colchester, Councillor Lesley Scott-Boutell, paid tribute, saying: “I am deeply saddened by the news that Honorary Alderman Mrs Mary Fairhead, OBE has passed away.
"Her long-standing service, both as Mayor and as Councillor, shows us how dedicated she was to serving the public.
"Her incredible work helping start up St Helena Hospice is a legacy that will be with us for many years.
"My thoughts are with her family during this difficult time.”
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