Marion Smith: ‘Endless energy, compassion and fun’
So, until further notice could we ask that readers please e-mail any correspondence. E-MAIL andy.rush@reachplc.com
MY FAMILY and I were very sad to hear of Marion Smith’s passing early on Saturday morning.
Like many others around Loughborough we considered Marion like a member of the family. Given that we had only known her for two years that really says something about how many people’s lives she must have touched.
Marion was a wonderful one-off. Endless energy, compassion and fun to contribute to myriad causes across Loughborough.
She was the embodiment of the very special and supportive community that Loughborough is lucky to have.
Of course, my contact with Marion was initially through the Labour Party.
She welcomed me with open arms from the first week that I sought selection to be Loughborough’s parliamentary candidate. And more importantly she welcomed my family with her famously warm heart, entertaining them with the lego collection she kept for her own grandchildren and of course with her famous bees.
Although deeply immersed in Labour politics, as a former councillor and linchpin of everything to do with the local Party’s premises at Unity House on Fennel Street, Marion understood that having differing political views was irrelevant when seeking to directly help the community. Always complimentary of, and collaborative with, whomever else sought to improve the lives of people in Loughborough or further afield.
She was always keen to introduce me to the many and various other causes she was involved in. Santa walks and cups of tea at John Storer House where she was a trustee, meeting refugees as part of her work with Loughborough Town of Sanctuary, and of course getting real-time text updates as Loughborough in Bloom, of which she was Chair, won yet another award.
This type of work was recognised by the Leader of the Opposition Sir Keir Starmer, who wrote to Marion in recent weeks.
He rightly described Marion as a role-model. She always will be for me and my family.
Rest in peace Marion.
Stuart Brady, Labour Candidate for Loughborough at the 2019 general election