Mr Finnegan died early yesterday morning when the number 13 bus crashed into a shelter at a busy station.
Her family tonight released a touching tribute to their “beloved daughter, sister, partner, dearest aunt and dearest friend”.
“She will be remembered as a very unique woman whose Irish wit, bright and intelligent personality made her family and friends very proud,” they said in a statement.
“She created a whirlwind in any room and lit up this world with her energy, zest for life, and joy. She will forever be in our hearts.”
Paramedics struggled to save her life, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.
As well as the Metropolitan Police, officers from British Transport Police and the London Ambulance Service attended the scene.
A London Ambulance spokeswoman said two paramedics and a medic were dispatched in a rapid response vehicle. “We also sent the London Air Ambulance and treated three people at the scene.
“One person was taken to hospital and the other person was evaluated and released. Unfortunately, despite the best efforts of our team, one person was pronounced dead at the scene.”
The Metropolitan Police is summoning witnesses following the death.
“At 8.59am on Monday 29 January, we received reports of a collision between a bus and a pedestrian outside London Victoria Station.
“The pedestrian, a 56-year-old woman from south London, died at the scene. Her family has been informed and our thoughts are with them.
“A 46-year-old woman who was driving the bus was also taken to hospital. She has since been discharged.
“Major Collision Detectives are conducting an investigation to determine what happened.
“Any witnesses who can assist the investigation should call 0044 208 543 5157, quoting CAD 1417/29Jan,” a London Underground spokesperson said.
After the incident, the station was placed on lockdown and a blue forensic tent was set up at the scene. A large black tarp was then placed around it.
London Mayor Sadiq Khan said he had been informed of the tragic news.
“My thoughts are with the family and it is very important that they are the first to know about this tragedy. A full investigation is underway. Our thoughts and prayers are with this person’s family. , I’m sure I speak for all of us,” he told reporters.
In August 2021, a Kent woman was killed at the same station when she was hit by a bus after the driver pressed the accelerator instead of the brake.
Melissa Barr, 32, was killed when the bus driver mistakenly pressed the accelerator and crashed into a stopped bus. The stopped bus then lurched forward and struck her, who later died from multiple injuries.
The driver later admitted in court that he had caused Mr Barr’s death by driving carelessly.