Tributes to loved ones in south Essex who died from Covid

More than 115,000 people have died after contracting Covid in the UK, well over the capacity of Wembley Stadium.

Up to February 5, there had been 3,664 coronavirus-related deaths registered in Essex.

Every one of these deaths represents a life tragically cut short too soon.

Here are just some of the stories of those who have lost their lives in south Essex:

Felicity Siyachitema

Loving mother mother Felicity Siyachitema, 51, from Southend, was a switchboard operator at University College Hospital in London, died after battling the virus.

Her family have paid kind tributes to her on social media and have more than $5,000 to take her back to a final resting place in her native Zimbabwe.

Her niece Barbara Siyachitema‎ posted on Facebook: “Dear Friends and family; on April 21 we lost our beautiful, caring dear aunt, mother, sister, friend Felicity Siyachitema who worked for the NHS in London, to Covid-19 complications.

"My aunt lived alone in the UK and is survived by two sons who are both abroad and the immediate majority of the family is back in Zimbabwe.

"Her eldest son Tapiwa Nyatoro is based in Canada. Please kindly donate to assist with funeral costs and sending her ashes to Zimbabwe for a befitting burial with her family."

Gina Andrews

The community stalwart lost her battle with Covid-19 in April.

Ms Andrews campaigned as a tenant representative for Basildon Council’s properties in Pitsea and Vange for more than 30 years and was the force behind the major refurbishment of the old Crudens estate.

Angela Smith, Baroness Smith of Basildon, who was Labour MP for the town from 1997 until 2010 said: “I would describe Gina as a power house who was totally committed to the community.

“She was so highly respected and regarded and never frightened to get involved when she felt there was an injustice.”

In one of her first accomplishments as a representative, Gina left a positive mark on the estate she lived in, known as the Crudens estate.

As a result, Gina helped to shape what became the first major refurbishment of an Essex estate. Work started in 1993 and was later re-named the Castles Estate.

Paul Karslake

Popular artist Paul Karslake was another victim of coronavirus.

The 61-year-old, of Leigh, had close connections to south Essex having grown up in Benfleet with sister Jo Wood.

She took to Instagram in March last year to post heart-felt tributes to Mr Karslake, saying: "This is my brother Paul Karslake who died today.

"I love him so much, I’ll miss him so much. A funny talented wonderful father husband and brother, life won’t be the same without him.

"RIP brother, I love you.”

Jerry Gibson

The former councillor was another of the early victims to coronavirus, having passed away in March 2020.

Jerry Gibson, 68, served as a Rochford councillor until he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in 2014.

Jerry, a beloved husband and father and lifelong West Ham fan and season ticket holder, was praised for living life to the full after his MND diagnosis six years ago, and his wife Gillian has paid tribute to him.

She said: “His smile lit up his face and everyone around him. He used to sit outside the front garden and talk and wave to people as they came past.

“He loved talking to everyone, and he did just that.”

Ali Ozel

The takeaway businessman died from Covid in his home in April - just hours after his family phoned for help because he was struggling to breathe.

The grandfather of two ran takeaways including Golden Grill, in Southchurch Road, Southend, until 2016.

Paramedics said he had a heart attack due to the virus and his death certificate named coronavirus as the cause of death.

Paying tribute to Mr Ozel, son Ahmet said: “Family was everything to him and he liked his football, we support Manchester United and would go and see games and watch it on the TV.”

Stuart Hall

Stuart Hall’s death was announced by the school where he worked as head of ICT.

St Clere's School in Stanford-le-Hope confirmed Mr Hall’s death on New Year’s Eve in a letter sent out to parents.

Headteacher Mrs A Hughes said he had been taken into hospital with Covid related complications just before Christmas.

She added: "We were fortunate to have someone with so much teaching experience and expertise joining our team and we are all devastated to hear this sad news.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time and they have given us permission to notify students and families of his death."

Toby Speller

Tributes poured in for Special Constable Toby Speller from across the policing community after he lost his battle with Covid-19.

He had served in Essex Police’s Marine Unit and was described as a an ‘inspiration’ by Chief Con BJ Harrington following his death in January.

Thorpe Bay Yacht Club also paid tribute to Mr Speller, who had been a member for nearly 40 years.

Commodore Adrian Bunting said: "There is not one person who has been a member of the club over the years who has not been helped by Toby and I don't think theres a single part of any of our rescue boats Toby has not had apart and fixed at one time or another.

"He was also a loving husband and father to their two young children who also share a passion for his love of the sea.

"Toby is a huge loss to us all and we at Thorpe Bay Yacht Club will never forget him.”

Richard Brown

The popular Blues fan who followed his beloved club up and down the country died from coronavirus in December.

‘Big Rich’ was one of the original travellers on the old Shrimpers on Line coaches which then became TravelZone and is now Blues on Tour.

At Roots Hall he sat at the front of East Stand red seats.

Southend manager Mark Molesley paid his own respects to Richard, saying: “It was after the game that we learned of the terrible news. I don’t confess to know Richard Brown, but what I do know is how well thought of he was in the Southend family.

“He travelled and supported this club, was affectionately known as ‘Big Rich’ and we’re really saddened by the news. I want to pass on our condolences to his family.”

Brian Wood

The former Castle Point councillor who ‘always stood up for residents’ was another victim of Covid-19.

Brian Wood sadly passed away aged 78 in January after contracting coronavirus.

He was first elected to Castle Point Borough Council in 2004 where he was a ward councillor for St George’s Ward.

Mr Wood was a former Mayor of Castle Point between 2017 and 2018.

Councillor Clive Walter, his fellow Ward councillor said: “He was a loving father and family man. He was very much a man of his word. “He was straight, honourable and professional.

“He will certainly be very missed by me and the rest of St. George’s Ward.”

Tommy Pilling

The much-loved Tommy Pilling lost his two-week fight with coronavirus on New Year’s Day.

The 62-year-old, from Shoebury, made history with his wife, Maryanne, as the UK's first couple with Down's Syndrome to marry.

Maryanne’s mum Linda Martin, 70, of Shoebury, said she also regarded Tommy as her child, adding: "Our darling man Tommy has left a vast hole in our lives that no one will ever fill.

"I have never regretted a single moment of the 30 years he was in my life and care, he brought so much joy just by being him, I will always be thankful for the laughter and fun he brought to our lives.

"Fly high Tommy we will love you forever.”

If you'd like to pay tribute to your loved one in the paper or on our website, email alexander.gidden@newsquest.co.uk