A heartbroken son has paid a heartfelt tribute to his mum who was the "life and soul of every party". Julia Kinnell, who was known "by everybody" in Creswell, Nottinghamshire, died tragically in a car crash.
The 67 year old leaves behind a "big family" who loved her dearly including her husband, their three children and 12 grandchildren. It was Mrs Kinnell's first year of her retirement, and she had planned to go on cruises and attend her grandchildren's birthday parties.
But she was involved in a tragic car crash just outside Herons Mead Caravan Park in Marsh Lane, near Skegness, and died at the scene at about 1pm on May 19.
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Her husband and their friend, both passengers in the vehicle, were taken to the Queen's Medical Centre (QMC) in Nottingham with serious injuries. Pete Moody, who is grieving his mum's death, remembers the day of the tragedy that "crushed our family".
The 44-year-old, a mechanic in Holbeck, said: "The police came to my mum's home address, and my sister was there. She told me and we rushed to the hospital to my dad.
"I was shocked and devastated. I just could not believe it."
The couple were returning back to their caravan in Ingoldmells, Skegness, after visiting a friend. "They had that caravan and they used to go there. My mum absolutely loved it", Mr Moody said.
The devastated son said he "could have never wished for a better mum". He added: "She was very family-orientated, family was her life. She loved family more than anything."
But above all, Mr Moody said his mum loved her grandchildren. "She was absolutely brilliant with them.
"She was just retired and she had a lot to look forward to. They booked boat cruises and holidays - it was a very busy year. One of my sons is 16, the other is 18 - and there were a lot of parties from other grandchildren that she was due to attend."
He went on and said: "She loved a party, smart dresses and cruises. She was the life and soul of every party. Everyone in the village knew her."
She was described as a "loud and joyful presence" by her son. Before her official retirement that "she was looking forward to", Mrs Kinnell used to work as a warden at a block of flats.
Her son added: "We have all grown up in Creswell and we had a good childhood and a loving family. I could not ask for anymore really.
"We are all so crushed and devastated. The grandchildren are all upset, and there have been many tears. We now all try to comfort our children and deal with the grief". The funeral will take place on June 20.
Lincolnshire Police said they received reports of a collision involving a blue Ford Focus and a blue Renault Luton van just outside Herons Mead Caravan Park on Marsh Lane, Orby. Marsh Road, Marsh Lane on East Side Marsh and Burgh Road was closed at the time.
On the day of the fatal crash, a spokesperson for the force said: "The female driver of the Focus was sadly pronounced dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers. The male and female passenger of the Focus were also taken to hospital after sustaining serious injuries.
"The driver and passenger of the van sustained injuries, which are not believed to be serious, and were also taken to hospital. We are appealing for witnesses and anyone who may have captured dashcam footage of the collision to get in touch by calling 101 or emailing force.control@lincs.police.uk quoting incident 191 of May 19."
