A FAMILY in Bradford on Avon has paid tribute to Shirley Dobroczynska, of Shirley’s Taxi, who died on Sunday, August 11 from a long fight against cancer.

Miss Dobroczynska, 53, died at home in Greenland View, Bradford on Avon, after receiving chemotherapy for the cancer, which was diagnosed a year ago.

She leaves three children, Tanya, 31, Matthew, 22, and Daniel, 20, and three grandchildren, Chloe, Amelia and Holly. She never married.

Born in Bradford on Avon, Miss Dobroczynska was educated locally before leaving school to work in the retail drinks industry.

She was a former landlady of The White Lion in Corsham and the Axe and Compass at Kempsford, near Fairford in Gloucestershire.

She later returned to Wiltshire to work in local factories in the Trowbridge area and as a cleaner.

About ten years ago she became a taxi driver and was well-known in the trade and throughout the West Wiltshire area.

Five years ago, she launched her own taxi business, Shirley’s Taxi, based at her home in Bradford on Avon and in Trowbridge town centre.

Her son Matthew said: “She had a lot of customers and was well known to people in Bradford on Avon and Trowbridge.

“She did mostly short distance trips but was equally as happy to take customers on longer journeys to airports.”

He added: “My mother could be very stubborn and strong willed but she was hard working and loved her family and friends.

“She was always doing things for other people and never for herself. You could talk to her about anything.

“She loved music and shopping and liked meeting up with her friends in the mornings. She also loved hot weather and going on holiday to Greece.”

Her daughter-in-law Kiah Wicheard said: “We want to give her the beautiful and greatest send off she deserves.

"She had a beautiful life and many beautiful friends and family.”

It is understood that taxi drivers from the area are planning to accompany her hearse to the funeral when arrangements have been finalised.

The funeral service is due to take place at 10.45am on Monday, September 2 at the West Wiltshire Crematorium, at Semington.

The family have launched a crowdfunding campaign to raise £5,000 to give Shirley a good send off and have already raised £1,700 of their target. To donate, go to: https://www.gofundme.com/f/shirles-taxi-funeral-fund

The family have asked for donations to the Dorothy House Hospice which provided palliative care for Shirley as her condition worsened.