'Loved by everyone who met her': Tribute paid to Sheffield mum at centre of murder probe

Maria Howarth, aged 44, was found critically injured in her home on School Lane, Greenhill, in the early hours of Sunday, September 6 after reports of an attack.

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The mum-of-one, whose daughter is just 10 years old, was taken to hospital but could not be saved and died two days later.

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David Bestwick, 60, of Chesterfield Road, Woodseats, Sheffield, is accused of murder and remanded in custody.

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Maria’s colleagues at Castle Square Corporate Finance, Sheffield, have paid a glowing tribute to their ‘close friend’.

In a statement, they said: “It is with the greatest sadness and the deepest shock that the team at Castle Square Corporate Finance announce the devastating loss of our colleague, team member and most of all friend, Maria Howarth.

“Maria was a beautiful, caring and larger than life individual known and loved by everyone who met her.

“Maria has been an integral member of the Castle Square team since 2016. Her dedication to the firm and enthusiasm, energy and commitment made her an important factor in the firm’s continued success.

“On a personal level, we all remember Maria’s joy for life, her kindness and generosity, her support for the Blades, her willingness to go that extra step for anyone and most importantly her love and devotion to her 10-year-old daughter.

“The office will be a much quieter place without you, Maria.

“So many of you who knew Maria through her role at Castle Square have already contacted us to ask about making donations and also if we were planning anything to remember Maria by.

“Having discussed the matter with Maria’s family, we have established a Just Giving page so that anyone who wishes can make a donation to a fund for her daughter, which will be given to her when she is older, or used if she needs anything before then.”

Visit the Just Giving page to make a donation.To remember Maria an online book of condolence has also been set up.