Tributes are flooding in for Councillor Maxi Martin, who sadly passed away in her sleep on Wednesday, April 6.
Cllr Martin, who represented St Helier Ward for 18 years, was cabinet member for children's services at Merton Council and was mayor between 2003 and 2004.
She had been unwell since December, and it is believed she had been battling cancer.
A book of condolence has been opened for Cllr Martin, located in the foyer of the civic centre outside Morden Library.
It will be handed to Cllr Martin's family on behalf of Merton's residents by Leader of the Council, Councillor Stephen Alambritis.
From yesterday: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Maxi's family" - Labour Councillor Maxi Martin passes away
Cabinet member for community safety, engagement and equalities, Councillor Edith Macauley, has paid tribute to her "dear friend" and described the news of her death as "devastating".
She said: "I have known Maxi since 1998, we were both elected to Merton Council the same year and we have been great friends since that date.
"The last event which we both attended was the Mayor of Merton's Christmas party. Even though she was not herself, she looked glamorous and had a good evening.
"This is very devasting news for me, I don't know what I am going to do without Maxi.
"She was so hard working, loyal, friendly, bubbly, and had a good sense with the outfits she wears and also her make up. Even though we saw each other at Cabinet meetings most times, we phoned each other every day and we normally had something to talk about.
"She has been a very loyal friend to me and I will miss her immensely.
"May her soul rest in perfect peace, a wonderful and dedicated woman in Merton who was very popular with everyone."
.@maximartin02 councillor, @UKLabour loyalist, feminist, fashionista, New Labour, campaigner & friend. We are stunned by your passing #RIP
— Siobhain McDonagh MP (@Siobhain_MP) April 8, 2016
Very sad news - condolences to cllr Maxi Martin's friends and family https://t.co/3rSuQx3g78
— Merton Lib Dems (@MertonLibDems) April 7, 2016
Very saddened by news of Maxi Martin's death. A great character, she will be missed by many across the borough. RIP https://t.co/rL5wDPYQk6
— Oonagh Moulton (@oonaghmoulton) April 8, 2016
Elspeth Clarke, of London Road, Morden, described Cllr Martin as "Northumberland's answer to Dolly Parton".
She said: "I was very saddened to hear of Maxi's pasing. She was one of my local councillors, and over the past ten years we had become good friends. Thanks to Maxi, I became a primary school governor.
"I remember her as an energetic, caring, exceptionally hardworking diminutive individual. She was huge fun, with a great sense of humour.
"She cared passionately about the Labour party and her councillor position - especially her cabinet role for children's services. She must have helped more people over the years than practically anyone else in in the UK!
"I knew she was very poorly and it is my one great regret that I didn't have the opportunity to say goodbye to her. She was definitely a one-off, and I am going to miss her so much, as will many other people in Merton.
"Thank you, Maxi, for all you did for us."
Deeply saddened at the loss of my great friend and colleague Maxi Martin. Made a huge contribution over many years to @Merton_Council. 1/2
— Martin Whelton (@MartinWhelton) April 7, 2016
So sad to read of Cllr Maxi Martin's death. She was fizzing with energy & desperate to make the world better
— jackie schneider (@jackieschneider) April 7, 2016
Very sad to hear the news about Maxi Martin. RIP.
— Merton Matters (@MertonMatters) April 7, 2016
Cabinet member for environmental sustainability and regeneration, Andrew Judge, paid tribute to his former colleague.
He said: "Maxi Martin was committed to children and young people in Merton.
"In 2000, Children's Services had gone into special measures, so as the cabinet member Maxi was determined to improve quality and inspired the whole council to take its responsibility for corporate parenting seriously.
"Maxi was so dedicated that she got to know the individual children in care and supported them in their achievements. By 2006, Merton's Children's Services were amongst the best in the country, and much credit for that transformation is due to Maxi.
"Maxi was also a lady of great style and that came across very strongly when she was Mayor.
"She had a positive and vibrant personality and never tired of expressing her pride in being both a Geordie and a councillor for St Helier Ward! She will be remembered for a very long time."
Unbelievably saddened and shocked to hear about the death of @maximartin02 - Merton is a less fabulous borough today. A wonderful woman.
— Georgia Lewis (@georgialewis76) April 8, 2016
Thoughts with family & friends of Maxi Martin: she was a fierce advocate of children's rights & big friend of Commonside. RIP Maxi. 🌹
— Commonside Trust (@CommonsideTrust) April 8, 2016
Sad to hear of the passing of true friend Cllr Maxi Martin. pic.twitter.com/b9r6JQDjI3
— Lajna Ima'illah UK (@LajnaUK) April 7, 2016
The Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's auxiliary, Lajna Ima'illah UK, released a statement paying tribute to Cllr Martin.
It said: "Maxi Martin, a dear friend to the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, passed away on Wednesday night. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.
"Maxi had a heart of gold and her sincerity was tangible. She was a friend of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Women's auxiliary organisation for many years and we have many cherished memories of wonderful times spent at Baitul Futuh mosque with her.
"She was always there for us, and was indeed one of us.
"Maxi was forthright and passionate for the causes she worked for, such as domestic violence. She was extremely willing to help women and was a passionate advocate for women and issues involving them.
"Maxi engaged very well with audiences as she spoke from the heart and in an entertaining way. She was generous with her time, was very welcoming and very inclusive. Her diminutive person carried steely strength.
"She embraced Lajna Ima’illah UK as her own and referred to Baitul Futuh as ‘my mosque’.
"We pay tribute to her amazing nature and say good bye to a very dear friend, a sister who will be sorely missed."
My thoughts and prayers for the family of @Merton_Council elected member Maxi Martin RIP ; may she rest in peace and be raised in glory
— Andrew Wakefield (@MertonAndrewLCF) April 7, 2016
This is such sad news. A hard-working, feisty and fun colleague and friend, and a great support. https://t.co/Okh3kFzt7W via @Merton_Council
— Mark Allison (@cllrallison) April 7, 2016
May your soul rest in peace you will be missed God bless https://t.co/XK40CwzcRJ
— Agatha Akyigyina (@AgathaAkyigyina) April 8, 2016
Cllr Alambritis, said: "Maxi was a wonderful councillor and was deeply committed to representing residents in St Helier.
"She was also devoted to the interests of young people and worked tirelessly to ensure their voices were heard.
"The armed forces also valued the work she did in organising the yearly Armed Forces Day Parade in Merton."
He added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with Maxi's family, who were so important to her and were with her until the last."
Rest in Peace Councillor Maxi Martin @LovePollards #RIP https://t.co/ElA6kMSGAO
— LovePollards Regen (@LovePollards) April 8, 2016
At a @MMLabour event with @DAaronovitch which included a moving tribute from @Siobhain_MP to our friend Maxi Martin. pic.twitter.com/susnIVbUrz
— Martin Whelton (@MartinWhelton) April 7, 2016
Opposition parties in Merton Council have also paid tribute to Cllr Martin.
In a statement, formal Liberal Democrat councillor Iain Dysart said: "We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear of Maxi's passing.
"Few politicians at any level command the respect or admiration that she achieved. She always had time for everyone, and this was reciprocated.
"Despite the pressures of her roles, no task was ever too large or small for Maxi. She assiduously attended meetings to inform other councillors of her activities and aspirations. She argued her case passionately and authoritatively, whether or not it commanded unanimous agreement of all present.
"Her mischievous streak (expressed with warmth) and sense of humour were part of her attraction and on equal display at public or private discussions.
"Maxi's commitment to the interests of Merton's young were unrivalled. She also worked very closely with the communities of St Helier, which gained her deep affection as well as loyalty.
"It is hard to believe that Maxi is no longer with us; and she is a tough act to follow and example to all.
"We send our deepest condolences to Maxi's family and friends at this sad time."
Morden SNT express their sadness at the passing of well respected councillor Maxi Martin. She will be missed. pic.twitter.com/Or7d54I6Tx
— Merton MPS (@MPSMerton) April 8, 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Councillor Maxi Martin. Our thoughts are with her family... https://t.co/QIa6JNvZiE
— Merton SCC (@MertonSCC) April 7, 2016
Leader of the Merton Conservative Group, Oonagh Moulton, said in a statement: "I and my Conservative colleagues are very saddened to learn of the passing of Cllr Maxi Martin and our thoughts and prayers are with her family, friends and colleagues.
“We all have some wonderful memories of Maxi as a councillor for St Helier, as a past Mayor of Merton and as the Cabinet Member for Children and Young People.
"I have been privileged to work with her myself over many years and have personally enjoyed her company.
“Maxi was an extraordinary and vibrant character who stood up with passion for children and vulnerable people and - whether young or old – for those who have suffered abuse.
"She will be missed across our borough and may she rest in peace.”
What are your memories of Maxi Martin? Leave a tribute by contacting the newsdesk on pippa.allen@london.newsquest.co.uk or 020 8722 6337.
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