A FAMILY have paid tribute to a “devoted” grandmother after she was hit by a car outside a supermarket.
Rita Grimshaw, 81, died after being hit by a car at Silverlink Retail Park in North Shields, Tyne and Wear on December 22 last year.
Emergency services had raced to the scene after Rita was struck while crossing the road outside an M&S store.
She was subsequently rushed to hospital but despite the best efforts of medical staff she sadly passed away the next day.
Her family have now paid a heartbreaking tribute to a “devoted mother and proud grandmother” to her two children and five grandchildren.
They said Rita, who was a teacher for 30 years, was known for her “professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the children and families she supported”.
“Her family were at the heart of everything she did, and she approached each role she held with the same warmth, care, and sense of responsibility that defined her working life,” the tribute read.
It continued to say she was a “keen dancer” and will be remembered as being a “true pillar of the community”.
More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online
Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.
Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.