Havering Councillor Linda Hawthorn dies after decades of service

Cllr Linda Hawthorn passed away on Friday

Havering Councillor, Linda Hawthorn, who represented Upminster for more than 30 years, has died.

Councillor Hawthorn passed away on Friday, 19 May after a period of illness.

She represented Upminster Ward on behalf of the Havering Residents Association Group from 1990 to date.

As a Councillor, Linda served on a host of committees including Environment, Leisure and Culture and Regeneration, as well as being Member Champion for Historic Environment.

Councillor Hawthorn also supported a number of local charities and organisations. These included Havering Arts Council, Upminster Windmill Preservation Trust and The Poyntz Charity, which provides almshouses and other help for the elderly.

Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of the Council, said: “We are all deeply saddened by this news. I had the pleasure of working with Linda for over two decades on the Council. I admired her dedication and commitment to the borough and her genuine care and desire to improve the lives of Havering residents.

“On behalf of everyone at the Council, I would like to send my deepest sympathies and best wishes to Linda’s family and friends at this sad time.”

In a statement, the Upminster and Cranham Residents Association said: “Linda was a true servant to the people of Upminster, serving continuously as a Residents’ Association councillor from 1990 until her passing, as well as being a member of a number of other groups, including Friends of the Old Chapel, Upminster Windmill Trust, Friends of Parklands and Friends of Clockhouse Gardens.

“An ardent supporter of Upminster Town Centre, Linda also worked on the Christmas Lights event for a number of years.

“Our thoughts go out to her family and many friends.”

Further tributes will be paid at Annual Council on Wednesday 24 May.

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