The family of a woman who tragically died after being struck by a Tesco delivery lorry in St Albans have paid tribute to her for being “selfless and loving”.
Barbara Mary Wheeldon, 78, died following the collision which occurred at about 10.50am in Twyford Road, Jersey Farm, on Monday June 27.
She leaves behind her two sons, daughters-in-law and a granddaughter, Rebecca, and many friends.
A spokeswoman for Herts Police said the circumstances of the collision are unclear, but it appeared that a Tesco delivery lorry was exiting the delivery yard of the nearby Tesco Express, shortly before the accident took place.
She said: “An air ambulance attended the scene but sadly Barbara died as a result of the injuries she had suffered in the collision.”
In a statement Barbara’s sons Brian and Colin, said: “Mum was born in Norwich and moved to St Albans in her late teens when her dad took the job as branch manager with the Halifax Building Society.
“After finishing school she attended a secretarial college before taking up a job as a typist at Bleak House in St Albans. After being a full time mum in our infant years she worked as a nursing auxiliary in the physiotherapy department at St Albans City Hospital.”
Brian and Colin described her as a “wonderful mother” who “always put us first and would often worry about us, always checking to see if we were OK.
“She was so caring that she gave up work to care for her father who had dementia in his later years. After Grandpa died mum became a respite carer for people with dementia in St Albans. She was so selfless and loving and genuinely wanted to help people.”
Barbara’s sons added that faith and the church were also very prevalent in their mum’s life and she regularly attended the Baptist Free Church in Marshalswick.
They said: “When she was not busy caring for others mum would relax with a book. She was a prolific reader who regularly visited the local library and would also source books from local charity shops.
“We grew up in Evans Grove in St Albans and mum lived there until 2008 before downsizing to a property on Jersey Farm. When mum was relocating from Evans Grove she insisted that her new home must have a garden – she loved being in the garden and loved flowers.
“People in Evans Grove have been in touch after hearing about what happened on Monday. Even though Mum had not lived there for years she still had a place in the hearts of her old neighbours, who all speak so highly of her. They remember her kindness and the fact that she was always smiling and laughing.
“We have had so many messages from people who knew mum expressing their condolences and telling us how sad they are at hearing about what has happened. We would like to thank them for their thoughts, cards and kindness over the past few days – it has been a real comfort.
“We are still trying to come to terms with this tragedy and what has happened to our mother, who was also a much loved mother–in–law, grandmother and friend.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here