Tributes have poured in for a "fun loving" and "kind-hearted" woman who tragically died in a crash on the A10.
Karen Marks, 34, was killed when her white Fiat Punto was in collision with a single-decker bus at about 12.25pm on December 28 on the A10 near Ely.
Karen, from Littleport, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A passenger in the Punto, a man in his 40s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a stable condition.
No one on the bus was injured.
Her family said: “Once you met Karen, you would never forget her. She was like a firework when she came in, and you knew when she was around.
"She was a very much-loved daughter, mother and sister and touched so many people’s lives."
The Ely Standard opened a Book of Condolence shortly after Karen's death was announced and a number of locals have left heartfelt tributes.
Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk or newsdesk@elystandard.co.uk
Community answers
Book of Condolence for Karen Marks
"We have opened a book of condolence for Karen Marks, a "very much-loved daughter, mother and sister" who tragically died in a crash on the A10 near Ely. This is for anyone who wants to leave a tribute to Karen or condolences for her loved ones. Please know we will moderate content to ensure it remains a respectful space. There may be a delay in messages being made public as they require approval."
We asked for your responses - this is what you sent.
Leave you tribute to Karen hereU have a gold of heart and U was so happy and U was bubbly person that I know
Leave you tribute to Karen hereLittle Finley is your shining star, a beautiful boy you can be proud of. I will pray for him to live a happy life so you can continue to be proud from up above. I know how much he loves you and you’ll be sadly missed. It was nice to know you for the short time I did. Rest in peace xx
Leave you tribute to Karen hereI knew Karen many years ago when she was young and used to come to my boathyard in Brandon Creek I found the news of her accident traumatic having known her from our many conversations and having her chatting over a cuppa. I cannot imagine the grief her family must be suffering and send them my condolences. It is a tragic loss of a young and vibrant life 'she had a wonderful personality and was full of life. Rest in eternal peace Karen.
Leave you tribute to Karen hereR.I.P Karen. It’s a long time since I last saw you but so proud of what you achieved in life. I remember first time meeting you at Youth Club and you always had a bright personality and enthusiasm. Rest peacefully up there now you have your Angel wings x
Leave you tribute to Karen hereI’ll always remember you as a fun and friendly person who had a real zest for life. You will be truly missed by everyone who met you xxx
Leave you tribute to Karen hereTaken far too soon RIP keren
Leave you tribute to Karen hereI can’t come to terms with this tragic news, I’ve known Karen many years sent many many messages through work and met with you far to many times to support you and your boys. Sending much love to your mum Tania, the boys and extended family.
Leave you tribute to Karen hereRip Karen, it was a pleasure to work with you 🤍
Leave you tribute to Karen hereSo very sad to hear of this tragedy - Karen will be extremely missed by the community here in Littleport. On behalf of all at St George’s Church we send our deepest condolences. Please be assured of our prayers
Leave you tribute to Karen hereThe world is definitely a duller place without you Karen! You were such a kind hearted, loud and proud person, Living your life following your own path. I had the pleasure to work with you twice over the years. Both places holding multiple tears, laughs and memories. It’s never goodbye, it’s I’ll see you when I get there. Until then I’ll look for the firework in the sky ☄️💫
Leave you tribute to Karen hereRest in peace Karen. I can’t believe this has happened 😢 you always had such a wonderful welcoming smile. Sending all my love to your family and of course your two boys ❤️
Leave you tribute to Karen hereI met Karen at the start of this year and since then she called me the daughter she never had. She was the bubbliest person I’ve ever met and always reminded me of my worth - she’s gonna be missed millions but remembered forever x
Leave you tribute to Karen hereHeartbreaking news for family ( near and far ) and friends , a life taken too soon and without reason , my prayers go out to all of those touched by the love and life of Karen xx
Leave you tribute to Karen hereThank you for the memories, we will treasure you attending our wedding! Fly High Beautiful Soul Much Love Paul, Jodie, Amelia and Myles xxxx
Leave you tribute to Karen hereSuch a fun loving happy girl will be greatly missed
Leave you tribute to Karen hereSending so much love & strength through this difficult time. I’m so sorry. As a mother my heart breaks for the children. Such a tragedy. May she rest forever peacefully. ❤️
Leave you tribute to Karen hereGone far too soon. I used to get the school bus with Karen to Ely College. She was always so full of life as young teenagers were and I remember her being the center of attention on our bus journeys. I send her family, friends and especially her boys much love as they try to navigate life now. Rest in peace Karen x
Leave you tribute to Karen hereSending my heartfelt condolences to Karen's family, what a tragic loss. Karen made me howl with laughter over a drink or two locally and shall never be forgotten xx
Leave you tribute to Karen hereThere are no words that can be said you have been taken way to soon, you will be missed by so many, you touched so many people’s hearts. RIP beautiful angel 😇 may you spread your wings 🪽 and may you watch over and be proud of your boys be by their side and your families side always.
Leave you tribute to Karen hereR I P Karen
Leave you tribute to Karen hereMay Karen's memory be a blessing to the family and friends. With deepest sympathy and sadness. Norleen.x
Leave you tribute to Karen hereI didn't know you personally but my condolences to your family and may you rest in eternal peace
Leave you tribute to Karen hereKaren’s smile could light up the darkest days, the kind of smile that made everything feel okay even when nothing was. Sitting in silence with her was never awkward. It was comforting, grounding, and safe. She didn’t need to say a word to let me know I wasn’t alone. Living as neighbours, I could come over to hers at any time. Some days we didn’t talk at all. We would just sit on the floor, crying and holding each other. Those quiet moments, full of shared pain and understanding, are memories I will carry with me forever. They were raw, real, and filled with love in its purest form. She was always there when I needed her, and I hope she knew I was always there for her too. Our friendship was a roller coaster. Messy, emotional, imperfect, but deeply meaningful. Through every high and low, we never stopped choosing each other. She changed my life in ways she may never have fully realized. She taught me the importance of being grateful for friendship, of showing up, and of loving deeply. When I came here, I didn’t know anyone. From the moment we started talking, I knew I wanted her in my life forever. Now the world feels quieter without her. I miss her more than words could ever explain. She is the most beautiful star in the sky, watching over me. There will always be a seat for you wherever I go. I will miss her like crazy for the rest of my life. Karen was not just my best friend. She was family. She was home. She will live in my heart forever.
Leave you tribute to Karen hereI’ll never forget you 💔 I’ll never forget the memories we had😔💔 x
Leave you tribute to Karen hererip angel, no words, i used to work with karen and recently got back incontact with her my thoughts are with your faimily at this very sad time 😢
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