Mary Holt, also known June, died after she was hit by a van in Northfield End in Henley in May 2019

The 84-year-old was known to her friends and family as ‘June’ because of the month she was born in. 

A family tribute has been released following the sentencing of Arif Hussain, 34, of London Road, Camberley, who was found guilty of causing her death following a trial at Oxford Crown Court last Friday.

Read more: Van driver convicted over death of elderly woman in fatal crash

Claire Knight, June's daughter said: "On Friday 10th May, June had popped out to Waitrose and bought a beautiful plant to take to a good friend in Henley who was sadly having her much-loved dog put to sleep, later that afternoon. 

"As she crossed the road from Waitrose, on the way to give her gift to her friend, she was hit by a Gibbs and Dandy van. 

"She suffered multiple injuries, including severe head injuries and remained unconscious in intensive care until she died two weeks later. What is particularly sad for us, as her family, is that June died when she was still so fit and well and leading such a full, active and independent life.

"She did not look or act her age. She loved spending time with her two grandsons.  She would regularly look after them, cooking them fantastic feasts, playing endless board games with great patience and entertaining them with her wicked sense of humour.  They miss her enormously."

June has been remembered in a special way from her career to the kind of person she was.

Her family added...

She worked with British Airways at Heathrow Airport and joined initially as a secretary, before moving into customer services and then into Special Facilities, where she looked after VIP’s and royalty - a job which suited her so well, with her naturally hospitable and warm nature. 

She had an innate sense of style and was crowned Miss British European Airways in the 1960’s. 

June was known by everyone for having a great sense of fun.  She brightened up any social event and she always took such a personal and genuine interest in others’ lives and families.  She had a very infectious laugh and a wicked sense of humour.

She had a very active social life, in and around Henley, with many different groups of friends.  She loved playing bridge and had a sharp, bright mind.  She had a passion for history, she took an active interest in current affairs and she loved visiting art galleries. 

Above all, June was a very kind and selfless person - she was always thinking of others. She regularly attended the Sacred Heart Church and sang in the choir.  She was superb at organising fundraising events for charities.  Over the years, she raised many thousands of pounds for local and international charities. 

June will always be remembered by her friends and family for her warm and caring nature, for her fierce independence, for her cheeky sense of humour, for her active lifestyle and for her bright, inquisitive mind.  Most of all, she will be remembered for the many small acts of kindness which she was so good at, always trying to think of others.