FRIENDS and colleagues from the town have been queuing up today to pay tribute to a “charming” and “hard-working” county councillor who tragically died on Christmas Day.

Liz Harsant, leader of Ipswich Borough Council, had known Rosemary “Rosie” Clarke for more than 50 years.

“I have lost a wonderful friend,” said Mrs Harsant. “The one thing Rosie had was a fantastic sense of humour and she’s going to be very much missed.

“She absolutely loved being a councillor. It really became her life and she genuinely enjoyed doing it.

“She was so good at dealing with people. It didn’t matter who you were – Rosie was always there being charming and making everybody laugh.

“You couldn’t ask for a better friend or for a better person. She was kind, always available when things were wrong and she never pre-judged anyone. She was just a marvellous person.”

The 68-year-old, originally from Ipswich, but lately of Stebbings Close, Hollesley, served as councillor for Wilford – the Hollesley/Butley area – until she passed away from cancer on Christmas Day.

She and Mrs Harsant were godmothers to each other’s daughters and often went on holiday together as well as regular trips to see their beloved Ipswich Town – including to Wembley in May 2000 and to the recent derby match in Norwich.

Suffolk County Council leader Jeremy Pembroke said: “Rosie was an example to all of us. She represented everything I believe a local councillor should be – hard-working, passionate and caring.

“I will miss Rosie, not just as a colleague but also as a friend. Our thoughts are with her family and friends”.

The funeral is expected to be held next week.

Mrs Clarke’s seat will remain vacant until a by-election can be arranged.

n Pay your tribute to Rosemary Clarke. Write to Your Letters, The Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or you can send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

n Opinion – page 6.