Tributes to 'kind-hearted' Britain's Got Talent star singer and 'much-loved' mum who both died in crash
Tributes have been paid to two Northamptonshire women who both died in a crash in Cambridgeshire.
Driver Letitia Cuney, 53, from Ecton and her friend Cheryl Pierre, 47, from Northampton both died in Addenbrooke’s Hospital days apart after the collision on the A10 near Chittering on December 28.
Letitia shot to fame as part of Northampton’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist choir and was often ‘front and centre’ at performances.
Paying tribute, her family said: “Letitia grew up in America as the child of a military family. Guided by her values and love for her family, she made the courageous decision to move to England with her one-year-old child, despite having never visited the country before. This move was driven by the more relaxed laws around same-sex relationships, allowing her and her family to live openly and safely.
“Following her move, Letitia led an industrious and fulfilling life as a teacher. Known to many as ‘Miss Cuney’ she is remembered as a teacher who took time to understand each pupil while undoubtedly being the funniest teacher in the school.
"She was once labelled as a “legend” by her students. A title she wore with pride and often reminded her daughter that her actions were due to the fact ‘your mum’s a legend’. Over the years, students continuously reach out to thank her and say she was their favourite teacher. Letitia worked in a number of schools across Essex and Northamptonshire, touching the lives of countless students.
“In the last ten years, Letitia became a devoted member of Northampton’s Britain’s Got Talent finalist choir, NSO. She was seen front and centre during their performances and regularly joked that the choir director had stolen her dance moves to teach the rest of the group.
“To everyone who met Letitia, she was a force to be reckoned with - an energetic, powerful presence and a genuinely kind-hearted individual. She always did the right thing and was never too busy to help anyone who needed her.
“She will be sorely missed as a mother, sister, daughter, teacher, colleague, and friend to many.”
Paying their tributes, Cheryl’s family said: “Cheryl was a much-loved mum, grandmother, sister, daughter and friend, with a massive heart who always saw the best in everyone. She was completely selfless and dedicated her life to her children, always putting them first and doing everything she could to give them the best life possible. She was the centre of our family, bringing everyone together, offering a shoulder to cry on, and giving the most thoughtful advice whenever it was needed.
“Cheryl had a wonderful sense of humour and an infectious personality that could light up any room. She loved expressing herself through her amazing, colourful fashion and brought joy wherever she went. In her free time, she attended a dementia choir group, something she cared deeply about and enjoyed being part of. She had recently become a grandmother and absolutely adored her grandchild, whom she loved and spoiled endlessly.
“Cheryl will be remembered for her grace, strength, and positive energy. She leaves behind an unfillable gap in our lives, but her love, warmth, and kindness will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her.”
Letitia who was driving her white Nissan Qashqai died from her injuries on December 30. Cheryl died on New Year’s Day (January 1).
The driver of a silver BMW 520D - a 54-year-old man from Haddenham - was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, drug driving and possession of class A drugs. He has been bailed until March 27.
Anyone with information or footage should report it to Cambridgeshire Police quoting op Becontree. Anyone without internet access should call 101.