Tributes for Crowland shop assistant and stage group member
A mum-of-three whose "bubbly" personality shone through while working at a Crowland store has passed away, aged 51.
Lissette Austin, of Whaplode Drove, a popular staff member at Spar in North Street, died last Monday, June 18.
She had worked at the store for a number of years, with a reputation for being friendly, cheerful and welcoming.
Ms Austin, who also leaves partner Chris and several grandchildren, worked for a time at Abbeygate Rest Home, also in North Street, and was a member of Crowland Amateur Dramatic Society (CADS).
Stef Lamb, of Crowland Post Office, said: "Lissette was just an absolute joy to be around and she always said hello to you.
"She was always so bubbly and full of life, knew how to put a smile on people's faces and make them feel better.
"Lissette was very good with children and I remember whenever a song by Whitney Houston was played on the shop radio, she would sing at the top of her voice.
"Nobody was expecting her passing to happen and we're all trying to get our heads round it.
"Everyone will miss the bond they had with Lissette and the shop will be a much sadder place without her."
John Munton, founder member and chairman of CADS, said: "Lissette played quite an active part with the society, working backstage for a few years when her daughters were playing principle roles in our productions.
"But even when she wasn't directly involved, Lissette always had an interest in how CADS was doing and she was always able to feed back to us what the public thought of our shows.
"It was with great sadness and shock that we learned about the loss of Lissette and, on behalf of CADS, I would like to extend our love and condolences to her daughters Codie and Olivia."
Ian Canham, chief executive of Broadgate Homes which runs Abbeygate Rest Home, said: "All at Abbeygate Crowland are sad to hear of the passing of Lissette, a valued, hard-working and positive member of the team who was liked by all.
"At this difficult time our thoughts go out to her family."
Brenda Stanojevic, clerk of Crowland Parish Council, said: "I and many others in the town got to know Lissette through her work at Spar where she was always smiling.
"Lissette was always happy to help and had a word for everyone who came into the store because she was interested in everyone.
"She will be truly missed by us all."
Coun Angela Harrison, South Holland District Council member for Crowland, said: "It was extremely shocking and sad news to hear that Lisette had passed away last Monday.
Coun Angela Harrison, South Holland District Council member for Crowland, said: "It was extremely shocking and sad news to hear that Lisette had passed away last Monday.
"She was such a big personality in the Spar shop where she worked and she always had time for a chat or a witty remark.
"Lissette will be sorely missed by the whole community and my thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this sad time.”
Tributes to Ms Austin have also been posted by friends and Spar customers on social media.
Hilary Kenna said: "Shocked to hear this sad news as I only spoke to her two weeks ago.
"Lissette was such a lovely person and full of energy."
Ms Austin's funeral takes place at Peterborough Crematorium on Monday, July 16, at 11am.