‘Sue felt like a friend as soon as you met her’

Tributes to a “warm and friendly” councillor who was a “true advocate for her constituents” have been paid following her death.

Lewisham council said on Wednesday of last week that councillor Sue Hordijenko had passed away.

Cllr Hordijenko was elected in 2016 after a by-election.

She represented the Bellingham ward along with Cllr Alan Hall and Cllr Jacq Paschoud.

Bellingham Labour tweeted: “We are very sad to say that Cllr Sue Hordijenko has died. “Sue was a Bellingham resident who worked hard for local residents with an approachable manner, she was a real grafter and she was an active member of our community – we will miss her terribly.”

Cllr Octavia Holland said: “Such dreadful news. Sue will be remembered for her smile and friendliness – she was always warm. Thoughts with her loved ones.”

Cllr Tauseef Anwar, speaker of the council, said: “Deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague. A truly lovely person who would always greet you with a warm smile in all our meetings.

“A true advocate for her constituents. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Cllr Kevin Bonavia, cabinet member for democracy, refugees and accountability, said: “A great shock and terribly sad. Sue was always so lovely to be around and cared deeply for her community. Rest in peace, Sue.”

Cllr Brenda Dacres, cabinet member for safer communities, said: “Deeply saddened by this news. Sue was so vibrant, caring and such fun to be around.

“She was absolutely committed to doing her very best for all in Bellingham, and all in Lewisham. I feel blessed to have known her. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”

Evelyn Labour, made up of Cllr Caroline Kalu, Cllr Silvana Kelleher, Cllr Lionel Openshaw, tweeted: “Our thoughts are with the family of Councillor Sue Hordijenko at this difficult time and of course to the good people of Bellingham who have just lost a fantastic councillor.”

Cllr Aisling Gallagher said: “We have lost a really wonderful person and colleague. My thoughts and prayers are with her close friends and family in this awful time.”

Cllr James-J Walsh said: “Sue was not just colleague, she was a friend. She fought hard for Lewisham and Bellingham and what she believed in. I’ll miss her deeply, what she brought to Lewisham Council, and her friendship. Rest in Peace.”

In a statement on February 17 Lewisham Mayor Damien Egan said: “I am deeply saddened by the death of our friend and colleague Sue Hordijenko.

“Sue was a kind and compassionate councillor, who worked tirelessly to support the people she represented in Bellingham.

“Even if you had just met Sue, you instantly felt like you were talking to a friend.”