THE family of Darlington bus crash victim Eileen Brennan have paid tribute to their beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
They spoke yesterday after more than 50 people gathered for a small remembrance service for the 82-year-old outside the Halifax Bank in Northgate, where she died.
In a statement issued through police liaison officers, the family said Mrs Brennan, from Darlington, would be dearly missed.
A spokesman said: “Eileen’s family would also like to extend their thanks to the public for their help and support during this difficult time.”
Mourners gathered under umbrellas as the Reverend Sheilagh Williamson said prayers for Mrs Brennan and her family.
Darlington Mayor Councillor Brian Jones also attended the service, during which he thanked the emergency services and local businesses for the way they came together to help Mrs Brennan and each other last Thursday.
He said: “I would also like to convey my deepest condolences on behalf of the council to Mrs Brennan’s family.”
Afterwards, as people read floral tributes left outside the bank, Mrs Brennan’s two friends, Catherine Dunne and Joyce McGregor, spoke of their shock when they heard she had died.
FRIENDS: Joyce McGregor and Catherine Dunne say Mrs Brennan would have been amazed by the support for the memorial service
Ms Dunne said: “I kept ringing Eileen to see if she was alright but, obviously, I didn’t get a reply. It was such a shock when I realised it was her.”
Mrs McGregor said Ms Brennan was a quiet, unassuming woman who would have been amazed that so many people had turned out to pay their respects.
She said: “She had a great sense of humour and she would have been thrilled at all of this.’’
Mrs Dunne, who used to meet Mrs Brennan every Saturday for lunch, said that she hoped her death would spark a rethink about the town’s bus services.
She said: “We don’t even have a bus station. I telephoned the council when they closed it.
“I really do hope they will think again. It is such a shame that something like this has had to happen.”
The 52-year-old bus driver, from Darlington, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving following the incident, which left several others injured as well as claiming the life of Ms Brennan.
He has been bailed until mid-August pending further investigation.
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