Tributes to Sue

The news broke on Saturday morning as families gathered at Galley Hill to welcome two coaches of students for a four night stay in the town.

Sue was found at her Faygate Close home on Friday afternoon after she did not respond to the phone or doorbell.

Sue, who had undergone a hip replacement last year, was deeply committed to bringing some 2000 students to the town each year.

In February, the language school operators Europartner-Reisen reversed the roles and played "host" to local families at Bexhill Youth Centre to celebrate 30 years of the exchange programme.

At the time Sue, 63, said: "I love people and love listening and seeing how relationships evolve with the leaders who come."

Many host families had known her for more than the 16 years she had been the local face of the cultural exchange since succeeding the original organiser Isabel Mehrabian.

As one shocked host parent said: "There was only one Sue and she was very special."

Sheila Pickup, who had worked alongside Sue for more than 20 years, said:

"I have known Sue for years and years. She was a very good friend and a truly wonderful lady - always smiling."

Her family said this week they would like to thank everyone so much for their kind words at this difficult time.

"Sue loved life and took such pleasure from the people around her and had such a passion for her work as the Europartner local organiser.

"But to us, she was Granny Sue who lived for her family and touched so many hearts with her kindness.

"She had so much to live for and enjoyed working for Europartner.

"It is with some comfort that although Sue left us suddenly, we know she was happy and at peace with her life."

The Europartner office worked out of The White House in Station Road where banners, appealing for host families, were often seen strung up on the side of the building.

Local families received confirmation of the news from Gesine Acker, of Europartner, in hand delivered letters at the weekend.

Families were thanked for their thoughts and sympathy about the "sad news of our beloved Sue" and asked to be patient while organisers worked to ensure they and the students had a smooth time during the groups' stay.

"We would like to take this opportunity to reassure you that future groups will continue in Bexhill and we hope you will still offer your support to our organisation," wrote Gesine.

Sue is survived by her mother, a son and two daughters who are all married and several grandchildren.

The funeral service will be held at Hastings Crematorium next Wednesday at 9.30am.

Flowers and donations to Multiple Sclerosis can be sent to Mummery at 29 Ninfield Road (tel 218704).

A book of remembrance for Sue has been opened at Bexhill Youth Centre, in Station Road.