TRIBUTES have been paid this week by so many in the Thurrock community following the funeral of popular landlady of The Whitmore Arms Margaret Orman on Thursday (23 April).
Margaret and husband Jim, together with daughter Victoria and son Jamie made the multi-award-winning pub one of the most popular in the borough since taking over in 1994.
The family left this moving tribute on ‘The Whitmore Arms’ Facebook page (24 April): “Yesterday was a very difficult day for all of us here as we laid our Queen to rest. The sun shone and during these unprecedented times the day went as beautifully as it possibly could.
“We were totally amazed by the number of people who took the time whilst respecting social distancing to show their support for us, but mainly their respect for our Margaret. A huge thank you to West & Coe Funeral Directors , especially Brian Stock for all the compassion and assistance you have shown us as a family.
“Thank you so much for all the messages, cards, flowers and tributes there have been during the last few weeks. They have all been very touching and we shall cherish them all.
“To our loyal team, thank you for being so supportive and for being there. As Jim said yesterday, we look forward to when this is over and we can have a huge party in the garden in memory of our beloved Margaret.
“We sincerely hope you all Stay Safe, Protect the NHS, Save Lives!.”
Among the hundred’s of moving tributes left on the post from the family, one was typical of those that were left:
Julia Loraine said: “It was a special day, one we will probably never see again. A very fitting tribute to a beautiful lady who has left a little part of her in everyone of us. Sleep well Margaret. X”
