Tributes for Queens Road Southend watch shop worker

Michele August worked alongside her dad in the family-run Queens Road watch shop J B August, next door to the Revolution cocktail bar.

The 56-year-old passed away in the early hours of June 11 after being diagnosed with cancer seven weeks ago.

Her colleague Kardine Winfield, who has been working at the shop on and off for 28 years, is heartbroken that her “best friend” has been taken away.

Tributes - Michele August (Image: Kardine Winfield)

Ms Winfield said: “She [Michele] was my best friend, and we worked together for years. We were more like family.

“She was funny, happy and positive. We always had a laugh with each other and our customers.

“Everyone loved her. She would always do anything to help anyone. My kids called her Auntie Shell.

“She had a heart of gold, and she’s going to be missed so much.

“Even this morning [June 14], I have had customers coming in and crying. She touched more people than she would ever know.”

Besties - Kardine Winfield (L) and Michele August (R) (Image: Kardine Winfield)

Besties - Michele August (L) and Kardine Winfield (R) (Image: Kardine Winfield)

The staff member announced the news of Facebook, saying: “It’s with an extremely heavy heart that Michele August from the watch shop in Queens Road has passed away yesterday [June 11] after a really short illness.

“The shop will remain open for the time being.”

After it was posted, many took the time to leave their memories of Ms August and express their sympathies.

One person said: “RIP Michele. Lovely lady, and I used to love our chats when I took the post in in the mornings.”

Another wrote: “So sorry to hear this. I've been coming to you for years and she was so friendly with a good sense of humour.”

A third penned: “Sending condolences to the August family and loved ones. Such a lovely, kind, helpful lady, always smiling. A sad loss. RIP Michele.”

Only eight months ago, her dad lost his wife of 66 years.