Shopping centre ‘will never be the same’ without Margarita’s bright smile
PEOPLE URGED TO LINE THE STREETS IN TRIBUTE TO POPULAR SHOPKEEPER
FAMILY and close friends of a dedicated store owner at a Derby shopping centre have paid tribute to her following her death.
Margarita Thomas ran the Nature’s Way store at Park Farm, Allestree, for around 20 years and became a much-loved figure in the community. The health and wellbeing shop was said to be Margarita’s “pride of place”.
She died aged 74 and has been described by loved ones as a wonderful woman.
Margarita had many qualifications but devoted her life to natural healing and keeping healthy.
She was known and respected for her wealth of knowledge and the advice she gave throughout the 20 years she had been at Park Farm.
Away from the shop, Margarita would spend a lot of her time as a well-loved member of the Ceroc Dancing Club in Moor Lane, Derby.
A beautiful tribute from her family reads: “Her high heels, bright smile, blonde hair and positive attitude made her a memorable dancing partner, who enjoyed dancing with everyone and talking to all those she met.
“Her friends from Ceroc say she was always sharing her knowledge of alternative medicines to enhance their well-being.”
A fundraising page has been set up to put up a memory bench for
The loss of her wealth of knowledge will be felt greatly in the field of alternative medicine. Family
Margarita, who died on March 1.
Should the target of £2,000 be met, it will be positioned outside of her shop at Park Farm Shopping Centre as a reminder of her smile and warmth.
The family statement adds: “Margarita’s warmth, love and kindness to all those who knew her will be missed and the loss of her wealth of knowledge will be felt greatly in the field of alternative medicine.
“Park Farm will never be the same without seeing her bright smile as she would lock up the shop in her high heels, heading off to show her moves on the dance floor.
Margarita’s funeral will be held on Friday. Her family and friends would like to invite anyone who wishes to pay their final respects to line the streets (respecting social distancing measures) surrounding Park Farm Shopping Centre between 2.50pm and 3pm on the day.
Anyone who would like to make a donation to the bench fundraising campaign can do so at the website Gofundme.com or they can donate in person at the Nature’s Way shop.
Her family added: “The target of £2,000 will ensure that Margarita’s legacy can continue to live and remind those who visit the shopping centre of her love for life and all things natural. Thank you to all those who have contributed so far and to all those wishing to donate.”