STALWART Saints supporter Maureen Marsh has died, aged 80.

Well known among fans and revered as the steward of Saints’ number one supporters’ coach, great grandmother Maureen, who lived in Sidney Street, passed away on June 20.

Her funeral takes place tomorrow, Friday, at St Helens Crematorium, 3.30pm, restricted to family members only. A number of people in red and white are expected to give her a rousing send off along the way!

Maureen's passing came just a few months after celebrating her 80th birthday on April 11.

For Maureen, it was the perfect day, with family and friends sending their good wishes, together with Saints’ starlet Jack Ashworth and (her all-time favourite) James Roby ringing her for good measure. Now that really made her day!

She was a true Saints supporter and had helped with the travelling fans for many years.

Maureen was more than just your average steward, however, as her colleague on the coaches, Bill Bates recalls.

“She was friendly, kind-hearted and so thoughtful," he said.

"If she knew you were under the weather, she would be the first to send you a get well message.

"She dug deep into her own collection of memorabilia for various raffles and fund-raising opportunities over the years and was able to make presentations to those players who were leaving the club. They were really appreciated by all concerned.

St Helens Star:

"She wouldn’t let anyone down. On some occasions, she just went on the coach and couldn’t get to the match, but still made sure that the trip went without incident – that’s what she was like – so reliable!”

Born in the Newtown district, twice-married Maureen formerly lived in Sutton, Gillars Green and Peet Avenue, before settling down in Sidney Street. Although her original surname was Morris, she retained her surname from her second marriage.

Maureen had three children Gerard (Ged), Deborah and David, together with four grandchildren Andrew, Jonathon, Adam and Alex. She was also delighted to welcome a great granddaughter, Olivia, into the world recently too.

She was a cleaner who became a nursing assistant at Rainhill Hospital. She also worked at Peasley Cross Psychiatric Unit.

Maureen did have another passion in life, as daughter-in-law Lesley explains.

“She loved to go ballroom dancing and would drive all over the north west to various ballrooms just to have a go and enjoy the scene,” said Lesley.

St Helens Star:

But Saints was her abiding passion and she was looking forward to once again seeing the lads take on Catalans Dragons in Perpignan, interspersed with a few days in Calella for good measure.

She was so disappointed that this year’s match couldn’t go ahead.

All those who journeyed on the number one coach will undoubtedly miss her.

She was the boss and woe betide anyone who broke the rules!

Having said that she engendered the total respect of the fans and the drivers over the years. A true Saints’ legend in her own right.

Everyone associated with the Red vee send their condolences to her family at this sad time.

Alex Service