Sue, who has been described as a “key pillar” in the communities of Eaton Socon and Eaton Ford, died in the early hours of Thursday morning.

She was instrumental in raising the profile of so many community groups and was the figure head of the Eatons Community Association and the annual May Day event held in Eaton Socon.

Sue came to St Neots at the end of the 1970s to start her career as a teacher. She met her husband Dave and they made their home in Eaton Socon.

Gordon Round, chairman of the St Neots Initiative, said: “Sue was passionate about local history and bringing the past to life. It seems such a cruel irony that she has now passed into that history at a young age. I can only hope that many years from now she will be remembered dearly for her invaluable contribution to St Neots.

“Many will know Sue was the lynchpin of the Eatons Community Association and there can be hardly a resident who will not have had their life touched by her kindness and enthusiasm over the last three decades.

In addition, Sue was heavily involved with the St Neots Local History Society, the St Neots Museum, the U3A and the St Neots Archive Group. Every organisation that she participated in will be left with a massive hole to fill.

“Sue was one of those people who got things done. Her attitude and work ethic are, sadly, increasingly rare. The immense amount of effort that she put into the town trails publications is just one example of how she achieved things, while others of us were still talking about them. By the way, the trail booklets are available from St Neots Museum and well worth following by anyone who wishes to learn a little more about the local history Sue was so driven to preserve.

“I have known Sue and Dave for over 40 years and came back into regular touch with Sue when I became chairman of the St Neots Initiative, formerly the St Neots Town Centre Initiative, and its Promotion and Tourism Working Group, of which she was vice-chairman. Indeed we only had our latest meeting yesterday, with Sue her seemingly indestructible, enthusiastic self.

“We should all be forever grateful for Sue’s contribution to our lives.”

Ste Greenhall, from Black Cat Radio, said: Sue’s contribution to St Neots’ life in general, but the Eatons in particular, was immeasurable. Her passion for the town, its people, its culture and especially its history, was without equal.

The radio station loved her and she loved using the airwaves to share her tales. Ernie Almond recorded a series of walks around the town, not yet broadcast. We hope in time that Dave and the family will sanction us broadcasting her work. We can think of no more fitting a tribute to a lady who will be missed in so many ways.”

St Neots mayor, cllr Stephen Ferguson, added: “I never had the pleasure of meeting Sue personally, but her reputation as a local historian and community leader for the Eatons precedes her. I’m very saddened to hear of the premature passing of such an inspirational woman and I offer my sincere condolences to her family.”

St Neots councillor and friend Derek Giles, said: “I have worked with Sue over many years on various community projects that we jointly shared enthusiasm for. ESCA, The Pightle Trust, Eatons Charities and Eatons May Day to name but a few.

“Sue was always a ‘positive’ person on all of those organisations as well as being extremely reliable when it came to getting the, sometimes laborious, paperwork done. We could rely on Sue. She was a happy-go-lucky, ‘lets try it anyway’ positive thinking person who was so involved in our local community. A truly wonderful and inspiring lady, she will be greatly missed by us all.”

St Neots town councillor, Barry Chapman spoke of Sue’s passion and drive to support the community.

“I’ve worked with Sue for many years as a member of ESCA. My wife and I have assisted at May Day, on Eaton Socon Green, delivered the ESCAN newsletter and other things such as planting daffodil bulbs along the roadsides.

“All of these things were driven by Sue and were a very small part of the many activities which she did to for the community. To say Sue was one in a million would understate the extent of the kind, dedicated, selfless service she gave to the Eatons and St Neots.

“Sue made a genuine difference in so many positive ways and will be sorely missed.”