Son makes moving tribute to mum (From Bucks Free Press)

Son makes moving tribute to mum

4:51pm Saturday 26th January 2013 in News By James Nadal

THE family of a popular teaching assistant say it feels like a light has gone from their lives after she died suddenly and unexpectedly.

Linda Sturgess, 61, passed away after a short illness.

In a moving tribute to his mum, James Sturgess, 30, from Marlow, described her as his best friend and the heart and soul of his family.

James, a doorman, told the MFP: "My mum was the kindest most caring woman you’d ever meet, she dedicated her life to her family, also caring and helping others.

"There really are not the words to describe how very special she was.

"It’s like a light has been turned off in all our lives. One thing I can be sure of is that she will live on in the hearts, minds and stories of everyone who knew and loved her."

He added: "I will always love you mum, not only have I lost my mother but my best friend as well."

Linda died on December 27 and last week about 150 well wishers and mourners packed into Amersham crematorium last week for the funeral, while parents and pupils of St Peters School, where she worked for 15 years, held a special remembrance event.

James said: "Her funeral just proved that and how much of loving impression she made on so many people by the sheer amount of people that turned up to say goodbye and show their respect.

"She will be greatly missed by the whole family, friends and colleagues. She was the heart and soul of our family, she leaves behind her husband and soul mate Anthony, her two sons James and Aaron, her mum, brother, sister, many other relatives, friends and co-workers."

He thanked everyone who has offered support or attended the funeral during what he called his family's "tragic time".