Tributes paid to pub's 'Mother' (From Bucks Free Press)

Tributes paid to pub's 'Mother'

11:58am Wednesday 27th October 2004 in Search By Vince Soodin

THE funeral of pub landlady Sue Hillman, who was killed in a car accident, was held yesterday.

Family and friends paid their respects to the popular 51-year-old, who ran Finn McCoul's pub in Crendon Street, High Wycombe.

Tributes have been paid to Sue, known as "Mother" by Finn McCoul's regulars.

Pub landlord Alan Barks, Sue's partner of eight years, said: "She was just the nicest person you could meet. She used to lend an ear to everyone, and listen to their problems.

"That's why she was given the nickname Mother."

Alan, who moved into Finn McCoul's in 1999 with Sue, described her death as a "great big shock".

Sue died on October 15 when her Ford Fiesta was involved in a collision with a Honda Accord soon after 1pm at the junction of Amersham Hill and Priory Road, only yards away from the pub.

Sue's daughter Louise, 24, also works at the pub as a cook. She said: "She was a very proud woman. She was a bit of a matchmaker and used to enjoy getting everyone together and being Cupid.

"Mum would always do anything for anybody."

Sue's son Mark, 27, from Bourne End, said: "It's still not sunk in. Recently I spent a lot of time with her. She was a great mum."

Sue, who was born in Maidenhead, lived in Hazlemere and worked at the Hazlemere Food Hall, before moving to Finn McCoul's.

Anyone who saw the collision should call police on on 08458 505505