THE FAMILY of a North Yorkshire grandmother who died in a crash on the A19, have paid tribute to her, saying she was a “friend to many”.

Sonia Oldtree Rose, 83, from Thirsk, died in a collision on the dual carriageway near to the A684 Northallerton junction and the Cleveland Tontine on September 30.

She had been driving from her home in Thirsk to meet one of her walking groups in Great Ayton when she was involved in a collision with a lorry. The A19 was closed for most of the day as emergency crews dealt with the serious accident.

She had been a mother of four and grandmother of three children and had worked as a history teacher at Fulford School in York for more than 20 years.

Mrs Rose had studied history at St Anne's College in Oxford during the 1950s. 

An inquest into her death has now been opened and adjourned.

In a statement her family said: “Sonia was a mother of four and grandmother of three children.

“She had just returned from a two-week holiday in Mussidan, France, with a family she first au-paired for in 1950, and remained close to her whole life. Sonia was born in Bradford and leaves two brothers and a large family circle.

“She was very active, and at the time of the collision she was driving from her home in Thirsk to meet one of her walking groups for a walk in Great Ayton.

“Sonia had been a resident of Thirsk for 12 years and was very active in many local associations, particularly the Thirsk Community Woodlands Group.

“She had also been a member of many environmental and educational associations in York where she was Head of Careers and an inspirational history teacher at Fulford School for over 20 years.

“Having no religion, Sonia had requested that no funeral be planned on her death, but a celebration of her life has been planned for Saturday 26 November at the Hospitium, Museum Gardens, York between 1pm and 5pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

“A friend to many and an individual of great character, Sonia is remembered by all who know her with great affection and respect.”

• A 57-year-old lorry driver from South Tyneside was arrested in connection with the collision and remains on police bail while the investigation continues.