MPs paid tribute to community activist and businesswoman June Augustus on Friday in Parliament.

Mrs. Augustus, a driving force behind the Physical Abuse Centre, died last week. She was 75.

United Bermuda Party member Suzann Roberts-Holshouser said she was a "very, very special person".

The Opposition backbencher added: "All that was important to her was that if women needed help, she would be there for them.

"May Bermuda never forget her work for the physically abused."

Social Rehabilitation Minister Dale Butler hailed Mrs. Augustus' contribution to Bermuda life and added: "We do not know what we have lost."

He called for Government to name a road, building or significant monument after the "golden Bermuda heroine".

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield said Mrs. Augustus, awarded an MBE in the summer, had left a "true legacy" through her work for abuse victims.

Progressive Labour Party Whip Ottiwell Simmons told the House of Assembly: "She was one of the most outstanding citizens Bermuda has ever had."

And former Premier Dame Jennifer Smith, who worked with Mrs. Augustus at the Bermuda Recorder and Fame magazine, said she would be greatly missed by both her family and the entire community.