A SISTER has paid tribute to a shopkeeper who “devoted her life” to the family business after her death.

A permanent feature on Chingford’s Station Road, welcoming generations of people into her shop, Kate Biley, 81, sadly died on December 29.

It was with great sadness when in August last year, Miss Biley decided to close Bileys, a shop she turned into a destination for gifts.

Her father, Chris Biley, opened the business in 1952 as a retail outlet for his bespoke upholstered furniture.

It became a family business when Miss Biley joined as a shop hand in the 1960s, where it then expanded to sell more furniture and a range of home accessories.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Bileys was a popular destination for gifts

After Miss Biley’s parents’ retirement in the early 1980s, Bileys moved next door where it became a gift shop in 1984.

Remembering her sister, Rosie Budden said it was her “artistic flair for choosing elegant and beautiful merchandise” that helped make the shop a success.

She added: “Kate toured national trade fairs to source the best products at affordable prices.

“The shop really was everything to her, she devoted her life to it.

“She was a very private person, Kate did not want people to know she had been unwell for some time.

“She made no plans for her retirement, saying to those who knew her that she could not imagine life without her shop.

“When a reporter asked her what she would do after the shop closed, she said she just wanted to survive.

East London and West Essex Guardian Series:

Bileys opened its doors in 1952

“The tragic thing is she collapsed the day after the shop was sold and she was in and out of hospital ever since.”

A Saturday girl for Miss Biley from 1990 to 1992, Victoria McFarland said it was very sad news.

She added: “It was my first ever job, it taught me a lot about work so I'll always owe Kate that.”

Sophie Hammond also had the pleasure of being her Saturday girl for many years.

She said: “She was an incredible lady with a heart of gold. She'll be sadly missed, sweet dreams Miss Biley.”

In the weeks before closing the shop Miss Biley’s many friends, customers, suppliers and fellow traders visited to celebrate her successful career.

Mrs Budden added: “People came by to thank her for the many years spent providing splendid gifts, cards and jewellery in Station Road."

Miss Biley leaves behind two sisters, a brother and 10 much loved nephews and nieces.