The much loved former landlady of a Kilburn pub has been killed in a car crash, months after her recovery from cancer.
Mary Forde was hit by a Vauxhall Astra in Ealing on October 2.
The 60-year-old, who had been landlady of the Sir Colin Campbell pub in Kilburn High Road, was taken to hospital but died the following day.
Her family said in a statement she would be “eternally missed” adding: “Mary made a full recovery from cancer this year, after a difficult fight. She was a strong and determined woman who battled against all adversity.
“Mary was due to move to her new home the week she died.
“She was looking forward to the future and moving on with her life. She was in a happy place.
“Mary has a large and loving network of family and friends, and was loved by all.”
She was one of 10 siblings and had 20 nieces and nephews as part of “a large circle of close friends in the Kilburn and Ealing areas of London”, they added.
“She will be eternally missed by all.”
One pub regular, who asked only to be identified as William, told the Times: “She was exceptionally good fun. She wouldn’t allow any drunks and kept a good house.
“[The pub] was always trouble-free.
“She was great, poor thing.”
Vincent Clerkin, added: “I have many fond memories of Mary, so saddend to read of her fatal accident,
“Please pass on my sincere sympathy to the Forde family. God bless Mary, she will always be in my prayers.”
Dollis Hill’s Cllr Parvez Ahmed, said: “Shocked and saddened to hear the news of the untimely passing of Mary. I have known her for 30 years - she was a regular customer to my restaurant in Kilburn for many years and was always happy, joyous and smiling.
“She was well known across Kilburn and loved by all who knew her.
“My sincere condolences to her friends and family and may she rest in peace.
Born in County Monaghan in Ireland, Mary moved to England in 1979 to join her sister Mairead and her extended family in London.
She left the family-run business Montagu Nurses and went on to run the Sir Colin Campbell pub for 15 years.
Detectives from the serious collision investigation unit in Alperton are investigating and would like to speak to a motorcyclist and an Uber driver who stopped at the scene, in Gunnersbury Avenue at the junction with Leopold Road.
The driver of the blue car involved in the collision stopped at the scene and was not arrested.
Any witnesses or anyone with information can call officers on 020 8991 9555.
Would you like to pay tribute to Mary? Call the newsdesk on 020 7433 0134 or email nathalie.raffray@archant.co.uk,
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