Tributes have been paid to a lady who has been called 'the face of Stray FM' after she passed away earlier this month.
Karen Bellerby, who was the Receptionist at Stray FM, died on Friday 7th March at the age of 71.
Her funeral will be held on Thursday 3rd April at 11:40am at Stonefall Crematorium.
And since her passing, tributes have been pouring in from those who worked with Karen, who was affectionately known as ‘Kaz’.
Karen was often the first face visitors would see when entering the Stray FM office on Hornbeam Park.
She was also a keen player of the ukelele and a key part of the Harrogate Spa Town Ukes.
The group have cancelled a number of upcoming shows following her passing.
Your Harrogate presenter Nick Hancock, who worked alongside Karen at Stray FM for 10 years, said:
"Karen was the face of Stray FM.
"When guests came in for an interview she would welcome them, put them at ease and make them a brew!
"When I was in the studio on the air Karen was sat on the other side of the glass and if I put on a good song she would start dancing and waving at the window!
"If it was a really good song she would come into the studio and start singing along!"
Former Stray FM presenter Will Smith said:
“Ant and Dec’s Mam as she was known at Stray FM was a kind, warm-hearted lady that everyone would wish to have working on their office reception.
“So many people are devastated by the loss of Karen. My thoughts are with her close family at this difficult time.”
Joanne Towler, former Sales Director at Stray FM, said:
"Karen was a kindred spirit, a true one of a kind. She was funny, kind-hearted, with a fantastic sense of humour.
"She brought joy everywhere she went, made everyone feel welcome and special.
"Every memory I have of Karen makes me smile. Our Kazza, our Ant n Dec's Mam, our Nana Kaz, rest in peace our beloved Karen."
Jon Towler, former Senior Account Manager at Stray FM, said:
"An absolute diamond of a lady, forever with a smile, who would happily tell you when you had stepped out of line, with a grin knowing she had done it many times before you.
"She prioritised her family and could not in my eyes have been a better mum or wife.
"To us at Stray FM she was a second mum, unbelievably kind, forgiving and funny!
"A colossal loss to her family and is all.
"There will only ever be the one ‘Kaz’. So sad that our Christmas meet ups will never be so glittery, but we will forever raise a toast in her absence.
"Keep an eye on us, you’ll have fun from above!"
Your Harrogate presenter Alex Cann, who also worked alongside Karen at Stray FM, said:
"The world feels a lot less sparkly and fun now we've lost "Ant n' Dec's Mam", as Karen was affectionately known in my time at Stray FM.
"She made every day brighter with her wicked sense of humour, didn't take herself too seriously, and always had time for others... qualities which we could all aspire to have.
"She was a true one-off, and I'm really grateful to have worked with her, and had so many laughs.
"I'm incredibly sad that I won't see that smile again, and send my love to her family and friends. You're truly irreplaceable, Karen."
Former Stray FM Managing Director Sarah Barry said:
“On behalf of everyone that worked with Karen at Stray FM, I would like to express our sincerest condolences to Karen’s family first and foremost. We are all devastated beyond words.
"The outpouring of love shared reflects the person that Karen was; hilariously funny, talented and always full of energy more than people half her age. Above all else, Karen, AKA “Kazza” or “Ant n Dec's Mam” as we fondly called her, was the kindest, loveliest, most caring person you could ever wish to meet. Once met, never forgotten but for all the right reasons.
"The many years I spent working with Karen were so special. Karen was such a great colleague, confidante, and friend.
"As a team, we had endless fun and on reflection, I’m really not sure how we ever got any work done at Stray FM as we never had a single day where someone wasn’t in stitches, laughing out loud, whether it be at Karen’s stories or outbursts (usually about the state of the kitchen) or Karen’s reactions at the expense of the sales team who were constantly winding her up with prank calls or other silliness to take the pressure off a tough day.
"Karen used to tell everyone who worked at Stray FM that they’d never have a better workplace than the one we had but it was Karen at the heart of the team and she made it what it was.
"We always remained friends and I hoped to work with Karen again one day when she had time! I will miss Karen enormously, and will cherish our memories forever.
"When the sadness subsides, I know I will think of Karen with a huge smile on my face because that is how she made me feel, Happy.
"Our love to all of Karen’s family and friends, we are here for you always as she was for us."
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