'Proper love story' moves readers as man pays tribute to woman who 'changed his life'

Dozens of tributes have been paid to a dearly-loved landlady whose pubs were so full "you couldn't get through the door".

Marie Jones died aged 80 on May 20 after a seven-year battle with COPD. The mum was loved by her family and the community of Kirkdale, where she ran many pubs over the years, but particularly by her husband, Stan Jones, 82, who paid a touching tribute to the woman who he said "changed his life."

Stan married the "love of his life" 60 years ago after he bumped into her in the queue for a pub toilet in Liverpool. He told the ECHO that in that moment he knew the "beautiful" girl was the one.

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Stan and Marie ran many pubs in the city including The Vernon Arms, Horse and Jockey, The Goat and The Famous Old Post Office. Stan said: "People from Kirkdale would come into our pubs just to see Marie. She was beautiful. She was very loved and respected by everyone, we all idolised her, people would come in and see her all the time."

Stan married Marie in 1963 in St John's Church in Liverpool. He said that since that day he has "relied on Marie for everything," adding, "I don't know what I am going to do without her".

Stan and Marie's love story captured the hearts of ECHO readers, who were moved by Stan's devotion to his wife.

On the ECHO website, 'Rave On' said: "proper love story."

'You know I’m right' added: "What a lovely story, she sounds like an amazing lady, Stan was a lucky man."

People who knew Marie personally took the opportunity to say what a lovely person she was. Writing on Facebook, Cathie Davidson said: "Deepest sympathy to Stan and family. Marie was an absolutely lovely person and will be missed by many. Rest in peace Marie."

Maureen Harding said: "Deepest sympathy to Stan and family. Marie was a beautiful person inside and out, many happy memories of working in the Goat for Marie."

Teresa Roberts said: "Heartfelt condolences to Stan and family. R.I.P Marie, such lovely memories we all have."

Many readers recalled the good times they had in Marie and Stan's pubs and as well as their encounters with the couple.

On the ECHO website, 'Badboy' said: "Many a drink in The Goat and The Dodds, the Irish House (now demolished) then stagger back to Tates to clock off. Happy days."

On Facebook, Stanley Williams said: "Great couple, they had the Queen's Hotel in Waterloo. RIP Marie."

Maddy Guest said: "RIP Marie. Lovely memories in the Vernon. Lovely couple."

Sean Haydon added: "Stan and Marie, both old school lovely people. Sending love to all of family."

Marie's funeral will be held at St George's RC Church, Station Road, Maghull on Thursday, May 30 at 10.30am, followed by a burial at Thornton Garden Of Rest, Lydiate Lane, Thornton.

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