A mother who died eight days after being attacked at her home has been described as ‘kind, selfless and loyal’ by her family.
Helen Bird, 47, was found seriously injured on February 2 inside the £500,000 village home.
A murder investigation was launched following her death and a 50-year-old man has been charged in connection with the incident.
In a statement released through police, her family said the mother-of-two was ‘deeply loved’ and had everything to live for.
They added: ‘She was kind, selfless and loyal to her family, with her children always at the centre of her world.
‘Helen’s warmth, compassion and quiet strength touched everyone who knew her.
‘We are devastated by her loss and immensely proud of the woman she was.
‘We respectfully ask that our privacy is honoured as we try to come to terms with this heartbreaking loss, and we are grateful for the support shown to us at this difficult time.
‘Helen will always be loved and forever remembered.’
Mrs Bird, a customer engagement manager for a housing association, bought the property in Chelveston, Northamptonshire, in 2023.
According to her LinkedIn profile, she had worked as a primary school teacher before joining housing provider Amplius.
Colleague and friend Faye Ison wrote on Facebook: ‘Helen was the loveliest lady you’d ever meet. Always thinking of others first. She was beautiful inside and out.
‘Her smile would brighten up any room she entered. She’ll be immensely missed.’
Mrs Bird’s friend Denise Page wrote that the murder victim was ‘such a massive part of my childhood and teenage years – part of the fabric of who I am’.
She added: ‘Beautiful memories and stories…made long before adulthood complicate our lives!
I will always regret not seeing you more and letting life get in the way. Thinking of you, your gorgeous children and wonderful parents.’
Zoe Bull, a friend from Northampton, added: ‘My beautiful best friend of over 40 years now gone. Missing you terribly. Sleep well.’
Andrew Seaman, chair of Chelveston-cum-Caldecott Parish Council, told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s the first time we have had something like this happen in the village I think.
‘I didn’t know the lady but what has happened is a terrible shock and my thoughts are with her family.’
In a statement following Mrs Bird’s death, Detective Inspector Matt Bly, of Northamptonshire Police, said: ‘Our thoughts are with everyone who loved this woman at what is a very distressing time and specially trained officers are supporting her family.
‘Although we are not looking for anyone else in connection with her murder, I would ask anyone with any information to contact us.’
An Amplius spokesman said the housing association, which operates across the Midlands, East and South East of England, said it planned to issue its own tribute next week.
