Tributes have been paid to the former Essex Chronicle stalwart and grandmother killed in a two-car crash in Writtle yesterday (July 1).
Petal Hawkins, 79, of Chelmsford, was pronounced dead on the A414 Ongar Road after her bronze Kia Picanto was in a head-on collision with a blue Ford Focus shortly before 4.10pm.
The female driver of the Focus, another woman, was airlifted to Royal London Hospital but her injuries are not thought to be life-threatening.
Former Chronicle editor Stuart Rawlins has paid tribute to his former editorial secretary, who used to organise the Chronicle's Mrs Chelmsford contest.
"She was a very, very, approachable person and had basically a heart of gold," he said.
"It's very sad news and she will be hugely missed.
"She was involved in a number of organisations and groups within the area. The tragedy of course is her husband died very recently."
Peter Hawkins died aged 83 in Broomfield Hospital on June 16 following a short illness.
The family, including children John and Velda, were expected to hold his funeral at All Saint's Church in Writtle on Wednesday, July 9.
During Mrs Hawkins' stellar 27-year career at the Chronicle she was well-known for running a travel club which ballooned to as many as 6,000 readers.
"Petal was certainly one of the major contributors," said Mr Rawlins.
"She was a stalwart of the editorial department as the editorial secretary and was well known, and well respected, by all the staff at the Essex Chronicle in organising a lot of the social activities as well as in the admissions."
Petal retired in 1997 and from then on dedicated her time to the Writtle WI and the village's bowls club.
Following the crash this week the road was closed between the junction with Highwood Road and the turn-off to Newney Green until about 9pm.
The Essex Police Serious Collision Investigation Unit is appealing for witnesses and those with any information surrounding the crash to come forward.
Witnesses can call 101 or e-mail: collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.
