A COMMUNITY is in shock after a popular young mum died suddenly.

The family of Lucy Smith, 44, are still waiting to find out how she died on April 1 but say it was following a short illness.

Lucy had two small children Megan, seven, and George, five, who both attended Quilters Primary School in Billericay.

Her family said she was looking forward to marrying her fiance Darren O’Neill, and the couple had just bought a new home.

Speaking for the family, elder sister Caroline, 47, from Halstead, said: “Lucy was beautiful, fun loving, generous and everyone loved her. She was a fantastic mother.

“We just feel numb.”

Lucy was born in Harringay but moved to Botney Hill Farm in Little Burstead when she was seven-years-old.

Her mum, Shirley Smith, ran livery stables and the family were well known in the area.

Lucy attended Ingrave Johnson Primary School in Brentwood before going on to St Martins in Hutton.

Caroline said: “We had a wide friendship group in Billericay and Lucy was very well liked.

“Lucy packed so much in to her life. When she was 27 she travelled the world. She did some amazing things such as white water rafting.

“She was also a mean haggler. When she was in India the shop keepers would go inside when they saw her coming down the street.”

After returning to the UK Lucy enrolled at Anglia Polytechnic in Chelmsford where she studied a law degree.

She later secured a position at Redmayne and Kershaw Solicitors in Chelmsford where she specialised in family law.

Caroline added: “After returning to the UK my sister had an epiphany and decided she wanted to study law.

“She then met her wonderful Darren. And she has two beautiful children.”

Lucy was active in Billericay.

She was involved in the local NCT branch (National Childbirth Trust), which supports new mums and was involved in the local Beavers club.

Lucy was also popular at Quilters Primary School where she had been involved with a number of fundraising events.

Lucy’s family said they are expecting an inquest in to her death which they hope will provide them with answers.

Caroline added: “My sister was someone who had time for everyone. She was so generous with her time.

“Her death has been such a shock to the family because we were not expecting it.

“I’d like to thank everyone who has left messages on our Facebook tribute page.”

Hilary Luckman, headteacher at Quilters Infants School, said: “Lucy was highly committed to her children’s education, she was a supportive member of the school community and an active member of the PTA.

“She will be sadly missed by all of us.”