HEARTFELT tributes have poured in for a “no-nonsense” landlady who spent 30 years running one of Southend’s most iconic seafront pubs.

Sue Marankovic will go down in the history of the Papillon, having befriended many a punter who visited the site on Marine Parade over the years.

The 54-year-old remained nothing but a fighter during her two-year battle with cancer – starting in her lungs before she also developed a brain tumour.

Mrs Marankovic, from Shoebury, sadly lost her battle on March 31, leaving behind her husband Mitch and 11-year-old twins Nikita and Natalia.

Carer and dear friend Karen Tuck believes the Papillon will “never be the same without her”.

The 46-year-old said: “She was first diagnosed in March 2019, after going to the doctors with a stiff neck.

“She kept complaining of pins and needles and tingling in her arms and face.

“They thought she’d had a stroke so sent her for an MRI, where they then found the lung cancer.

“She fought as hard as she could, but it was too much for her. It is such a tragedy.

“I used to work with her at the Papillon myself.

“She will go down in the pub’s history.”

Read more:

First look at stunning new glamping site as it prepares to open this summer

Police put ANOTHER Leigh dispersal order in place after large drunk group forms

Braintree and Witham Times:

Friends have also paid moving tributes to Sue who will leave a lasting impact on everyone she met over the years.

Loyal pub-goer and friend Steven Curran has now created a touching tribute in her honour with the help of fellow regulars Marc Normington, Emma Jonrocker Cain and Gemma Neve.

The Sue Marinkovic guitar, handcrafted by the gang, will hang proudly on the walls of neighbouring pub Chinnery’s for a month before either being returned to the family or making its way to the Papillon.

Friends will also be raising money for Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where Nikita has received care after battling her own brain tumour.

A bucket will be left at Chinnery’s, on the seafront in Marine Parade, Southend, for cash donations to help support the family.

Supporters can also donate to the world-famous Great Ormond Street Hospital in London by visiting the Papillon Facebook page.