‘Zoey Poey’ was described by friends and family as a beautiful soul, amazing mum and talented DJ
(Image: GoFundMe/Mia Parkes)
The family of a beloved local DJ who suddenly passed away last week have paid tribute to her, calling her ‘one of a kind’ with an ‘infectious energy’ who would ‘do anything for anyone’.
Preferring not to go by her surname – instead affectionately known to all as Zoey Poey – long-time Salford resident Zoe was 42 years old when she suddenly passed away on July 3.
She had been a prolific DJ at venues across the North West, including Back to the Dock in Liverpool and the Vestry bar in Chorley, where she has a residency.
And the Chorley bar is to hold a day of DJ sets and raffle giveaways in her honour next Sunday (July 20).
Never miss a story with the MEN’s daily Catch Up newsletter – get it in your inbox by signing up here
“We’re holding a special day to celebrate the life and memory of our beautiful friend,” Vestry bar said in a Facebook post.
“She brought energy and vibrance to us and lit up the bar every time she walked in.”
“Let’s fill Vestry with the kind of energy and joy Zoe always brought into our lives.”
Zoe was a beloved local DJ (Image: Facebook/Zoey Poey)
Her sister Mia Parkes told the M.E.N that DJing was her passion. “Most of all she loved old school house music,” Mia said. “She used to take me and my brother to raves.
“She would do anything for anyone. Even it was her last penny, she would give it to someone who needed it.
“She had a massive heart, and a kind of infectious energy – people just gravitated towards her.”
“We are a very close family – and Zoe and I were inseparable.”
Mia said her sister’s death had come as a shock, and that the cause of her death had yet to be ascertained. “We weren’t expecting it at all,” she said. “It feels like we are stuck in limbo until we can find out – which makes a difficult situation even harder.”
She has since set-up a GoFundMe to fund her sister’s funeral. Remaining funds will go to Zoe’s three children, aged 16, 15 and 5, ‘left suddenly without their mum’.
Despite having only set up the page on Tuesday (July 8), the fund has already reached 75% of its £8k target. “She was popular in the DJing community – even more than we knew,” said Mia.
“I’ve been completely blown away by the reception. She was loved by a lot of people.”
Join the Manchester Evening News WhatsApp group HERE
Social media has been awash with tributes to Zoe. In a post on Facebook, Jane Tighe wrote: “Zoey, you were such a beautiful and fun loving girl with a belter sense of humour. Rest well gorgeous girl.”
Zoe with her brother(Image: GoFundMe/Mia Parkes)
Flo Ella wrote: “Zoe was a beautiful soul with such an inner beauty – her death has knocked me for six.
“Such a talented DJ and amazing mum.”
And Callum Watkins wrote: “Our sublime Queen is up there annoying Avicii for a b2b (a set where DJs play together).
“Rest in peace you star.”