A DEVOTED mother who was killed in a head-on crash will be remembered for lighting up a room with her smile, her family said.

Marcia Geohagen, 45, of Madells, Epping, died in the head-on crash with a Ford Galaxy which set her Volkswagen Polo alight in Epping Road on Sunday, October 14.

She leaves a six-year-old daughter, six siblings and a 94-year-old mother.

Her sister Hyacinth Morris, 54, said: “She was always happy and smiling and very helpful and caring, even if she had to go so many extra miles.

“She was very happy here and had great neighbours, and they felt she was great also.

“She loved music and loved people.”

She said her sister’s daughter, Rhianna, had returned to lessons at Epping Primary School and was living with her father.

“She says she understands,” she added, “but I expect there to be more tears later, when she realises how final it is.”

Miss Geohagen was working as a dental nurse for the NHS in Islington and had recently passed mocks for advanced professional exams.

“She was very good at what she did,” said Ms Morris. “She trained when she left school and she used to work for a private medical practice down near Harley Street for more than 20 years.

“They got stars and wealthy Arabs and when the Arabs turned up, they would only take presents for Marcia.

“We received a card from one of the girls she used to work with, saying she misses Marcia’s voice.”

Another sister, Sylvia Geohagen, 61, said: “She was a breath of fresh air whenever she walked into the room.

“Her smile would brighten up the place. She was the kind of person that was always there for anyone who needed her.

“Her loss will leave a massive void in our lives.”

Her neighbours, who have collected £160 for Rhianna, said Miss Geohagen would be missed.

Jackie Poulton, 55, said: “You couldn’t get a better neighbour.

“My partner died two years ago and while we had the thick snow, she offered to take me up to the hospital to see him.

“She was a lovely mum. If you saw her with her daughter, she always had her doll.”

Carol Stokes, 55, said: “She was popular in a quiet sort of way.

“She was always ready for a chat and her daughter was absolutely beautiful.

“I know everyone is feeling absolutely devastated. I’m thinking of the family, as are all of Madells.”

A 48-year-old taxi driver was arrested at the scene of the crash on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving, and has been bailed until November 19.

Witnesses who have not yet contacted the police should call the serious collision investigation unit on 101 or email collisionappeal@essex.pnn.police.uk.

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