Tributes have been paid to a former mayor and long-serving Newham councillor after her death.

Marie Collier, an ex-civic mayor who was awarded the freedom of the borough, has died aged 84. 

Her family announced the news of her "peaceful" death in a heartfelt post on Facebook on Saturday October 30, writing: "We are all heartbroken by the loss of such a wonderful woman."

The post has amassed an outpouring of love and well-wishes from family, friends, colleagues and locals. 

Bryan Collier said of his late wife: "Not to cause offence to anyone, but she was second to none.  

"She was just a wonderful lady [...]  Marie always put her family first and the community thereafter from young to old. 

"[She] was a most wonderful mother and wife."

Newham Recorder: Bryan Collier with his late wife Marie Collier Bryan Collier with his late wife Marie Collier (Image: Bryan Collier)

Marie served as a councillor for her local Canning Town North community for 16 years after she was elected as the Labour candidate in 1998.

In 2000, Marie was made civic mayor and became the borough's civic ambassador for the community in 2002. 

She was awarded the title of honorary alderwoman in 2016 and honoured with the freedom of the borough for her public service to Newham.

As a former trustee of the Impstart Trust, a charity dedicated to empowering young people, Marie was conferred the honour of Freedom of the City by the City of London Corporation.

Marie's triumphs came not only in her work life, but also in her personal life where she was battling with her health from birth. Bryan said: "[She] had a hole in [her] heart and was given three years to live, and passed 81 years later."

Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz OBE said in a statement released by the council: “Marie embodied the qualities of public service, dedicating her life to the residents of Newham for 16 years with passion and honour.

"Her unflinching commitment to the borough made her a wonderful ambassador for Newham and she will be missed by so many.

"On behalf of councillors and everyone at the council my deepest condolences to her family. Our thoughts are with them all and especially to her devoted husband Bryan.” 

A funeral for Marie is being held tomorrow (October 6).

Her family closed their announcement by saying: "We would like those who knew our mum to please attend the funeral being held at the City of London crematorium, Aldersbrook Road E12 5DQ on Friday 6th of October at 11am.

"The wake will be held at T Cribbs & sons Victoria House, 10 Woolwich Manor Way, London E6 5PA afterwards x". 

Marie is survived by Bryan and her sons Scott and Alan Gripper.