The family of a 75-year-old grandmother who died following a collision in West Cumbria have paid tribute to her.
Gillian Livingstone was crossing Ennerdale Road in Cleator Moor with her grandchild on May 26 when she was struck by a motorbike.
Born in South Africa, her family said: “75 years young, she was more than a wife and mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
“She was the matriarch of the family. She was the focal point for information, guidance, advice and caring. She will be greatly missed by the whole family and leaves a huge void to fill.
Gillian emigrated to the UK along with her husband, David, in 2007, and after early retirement as a bank manager, and a second career in banking, eventually settled in Cleator Moor.
“She loved gardening, animals (especially cats) and loved her mobile phone’s AI, much to the advantage of David.
“Many of her traits have been adopted by her children.
“She even said she would care for all the stray cats in the world, if she had enough money. She was sociable (always talking to Fiona next door over the fence about their respective husbands’ faults and they, in turn, would talk about football, politics and everything else).
“She became a more avid gardener during Covid to the point that, when she went shopping, there was always a pot in the trolley to which her husband would say ‘What, more plants?'” and she would always, in her unique way, quip ‘Yes, but I don’t have that one!’ or ‘For back up!’.
“A day in the garden would be well-spent.
“She was well organised, obviously from her bank training and, if something was out of place or not in the right place, she would notice.
“She was a loving, caring person, who wasn’t afraid to voice her own opinion.
“She kept up-to-date on local events, joined chat groups especially the local anti-cruelty and rehoming of cats and pictures of cats, which all of her children have adopted.
“She loved Homes Under The Hammer and Love It Or List It on the TV and had pre-recorded episodes, which she could watch when she had time – another trait adopted by her youngest, Catherine.
“Gillian was taken from us in her prime in a traffic incident, while crossing the road with her grandchild, who also sustained injuries.
“We all give thanks and immense gratitude to those who assisted and gave CPR and tried their best to prevent her demise.
“David would also like to give his thanks and gratitude to all his neighbours – who have been unanimous in support and gestures in what has been a difficult time.
“Instead of flowers, Gillian had pre-requested that, in the event of her demise, donations should be given to the Farplace Animal Rescue in Whitehaven, who do important work.”
