'Her determination to live life to the full was never broken'

By lbishop

Tributes have been paid to a much-loved mum-of-four who lost her battle with cancer last month.

Louise Francis, who was 43 when she died, was diagnosed with breast cancer more than five years ago.

This later spread to her spine, pelvis and thigh bones, chest lymph nodes and liver.

But despite losing her hair, having a breast removed and numerous bouts of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, she always remained positive and dedicated to her family.

She died at her home in Tynedale Road, Brockham, on January 18 surrounded by friends and family, including her husband Mark, 46, and children Harriet, 19, George, 17, Oliver, 10, and William, six.

Mr Francis said: "I was fortunate enough to be married to Louise for over twenty years. Together we enjoyed some very special moments – such as the births of our four lovely children.

"Louise was a loving, caring person who was always involved in the community and events for the children's schools and nursery.

"Whether helping to organise, or just to make cakes for a fundraiser, Louise was never happier.

"To enjoy a drink and home-made cake in the church grounds on a hot summer day, surrounded by her friends, was a perfect day for her.

"Over five years of hospital visits and cancer treatments had taken their toll, but Louise's spirit and determination to live life to the full was never broken.

"Towards the end of her life Louise found that quality of life was far more important than longevity, and so made the most of every opportunity for enjoyment and happiness.

"The care, love and support Louise, the children and myself have received from friends and family has been so overwhelming, I am unable to justify with words."

He added: "Louise will be dearly missed."

Mrs Francis was well-known in the village for supporting the Acorns School in Betchworth and Brockham School as a member of the Friends of Betchworth and the schools' governing body.

Karen Edwards, a friend of Mrs Francis, said: "Louise was such a strong personality, battling with breast cancer since 2004, but she never let the side down during that time in supporting her colleagues and friends with fundraisers and baking cakes for village events and teas on the green.

"Louise is one of the strongest people I have ever met, always positive through tough times, a mum-of-four children, a registered child-minder and actively engaged in the community."

Brockham School is currently making a collection to purchase a friendship bench in Mrs Francis' memory.