Mary Bastille, who died after being hit by a lorry in Huntingdon, was due to retire at the end of May, it has been revealed.

Ms Bastille, 63, of Lucas Court, Huntingdon, suffered multiple serious injuries in the accident on St Peter’s Road, Huntingdon, at the Tower Close junction, at about 1.10pm on April 30. She was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, where she died in the early hours of May 6.

John Millar, managing director of VIP Polymers where Ms Bastille worked for more than 40 years, said: “For those lucky to know Mary, they would speak with admiration and respect of a colleague who was caring, supportive and loyal to those who worked with her and VIP, for whom she worked for more than 42 years having started on Valentine’s Day in 1972.

“Mary, who as laboratory manager, made many great contributions to VIP and the water industry during her 42 years’ service, helping both to move forward.

“Recently she received a distinguished service award from the British Standards Institution for her ‘valuable contributions to the development of British, European and international standards’.

“Her involvement on the committee and at VIP has helped ensure the ongoing improvement in the quality of drinking water that we take for granted in our homes today.”

Mr Millar added: “Mary was due to retire at the end of May to pursue her interests and spend time with her family, especially looking forward to spending time with her grandchildren. Sadly she won’t see that retirement she so cherished.”

Mary Bastille’s funeral service will take place on Friday, May 30, at Fenland Crematorium in March at 10.30am. Family flowers only. Any donations to Cancer Research UK and Addenbrooke’s Charitable Trust (for the neurosciences critical care unit) c/o Turner & Son, City Road, March.