AFTER a two-year battle with cancer, Marian Cane, of Sorrel Close, Trowbridge, died on January 9 at the age of 54.

She was born Marian Gail Humphries on March 28, 1952 at Riverside Eden Vale, Beckington, where she lived until she was three before moving to Sandy Lane, Beckington.

She attended Milk Street and Selwood Schools and began her working life as a nanny to a family near Timsbury.

She married in 1969 and her two children Sarah and Lee were born in 1970 and 1971.

When they were old enough, Mrs Cane returned to work and held many positions of responsibility.

She had a great love of the garden, a flair for design and colour and a good knowledge of plants and flowers.

She loved children and spent a lot of time making things with her seven grandchildren and planning outings, especially to the New Forest, which she loved.

Her family was the most important part of her life and she was always prepared to host impromptu parties and get togethers.

She had a strong personality, a keen sense of justice, was feisty and possessed a wonderful sense of humour, which she did not lose throughout her illness.

She bore everything with courage and fortitude as she battled against ill health and fought off bad news with determination.

She was always heard to say I'm fine' or I can do this, I won't let it beat me'.

Her family remember her beautiful smile, her charismatic personality and the way she always stood up for the underdog.

During her illness she remained selfless and worked hard for Cancer Research and Macmillan Nurses.

Her husband Alan wished to say thank you to Macmillan nurses, Dorothy House, Dr I Swan, RUH medical assessment unit, Woolley Grange Hotel, Arthur W Mays Funeral Directors, Rev Beth Hutton and West Wiltshire Crematorium, in Semington.

Her funeral was held on January 18.