THE heartbroken family of an “amazing” 100-year-old who was dragged underneath a van in a supermarket car park told how they collapsed in tears after finding out she had died.

Joan Roskilly, who lived at Homeowan House, in Station Road, Thorpe Bay, had celebrated her landmark birthday just months before the crash outside Asda, in Shoebury, on Tuesday.

The great-great grandmother, who had battled cancer, a kidney transplant and survived four heart attacks, died at the scene.

Paying tribute to Mrs Roskilly, granddaughter Alexandra Cole, 53, said she always saw the best in people.

Mrs Cole, who now lives in Shropshire, told the Echo: “We are in total shock. Nanna looked after me when I was a child, she was like a mother to me. I used to phone her every night, we used to have such a laugh.

“I came home on Tuesday, put my computer on and saw the news on Facebook – my cousin had posted it. The first thing I did was try to call Nanna.

“She drove buses during the Second World War and in her heyday she loved dancing.

“She was very active and hands on. She still played bridge four times a week.

“She would help anybody and always looked at the good side of people.

“Everyone she met loved her, she made everyone feel welcome.”

Grandson Giles Carter, 43, added: “She survived two world wars, four heart attacks, cancer, a kidney transplant and a pacemaker and then goes like this.”

He said Mrs Roskilly’s death has been particular tough on his son Theo, 11.

The schoolboy, one of Mrs Roskilly’s 14 great grandchildren, said: “She was really nice, we used to see her every week. She was a lovely person and survived so much.

“I loved talking to her about school and politics. I will remember most how nice she was to me, having dinners with her and playing bridge with her.

“I thought that when she died it would be from natural causes.

“When I heard the news I collapsed on the sofa, it was heartbreaking. It is the first time I remember someone dying around me and it is very hard.

“Even though she was 100, she died prematurely. We will always miss her. Let her rest in peace and have a good time where she is.”

Mrs Roskilly was hit by a van which crashed through a bollard.

At the time, emergency services told the Echo she had been taken to hospital in a serious condition with a broken leg.

Theo’s mum, Sophie, added: “For her life to end like that is just unjust. She was amazing.

“I think she had been out for lunch with someone from the family and stopped off at Asda for some Shredded Wheat.

“It’s devastating. The whole family is heartbroken, she was the matriarch of the family.”

Anyone with any information can contact Essex Police on 101.