A "much-loved and dedicated" nurse fell ill three days before her retirement and sadly died a month later with coronavirus.
Heartfelt tributes were today paid to 66-year-old Janice Glassey, who was described by her devastated family as "so loving" and "a bag of fun."
The mum-of-three had given 14 years of service to the NHS, helping very sick patients with end-of-life care.
Healthcare assistant Ms Glassey, who was engaged to be married, was a popular figure in Halton and worked visiting people's homes and care facilities.
From Widnes, the healthy mum, suddenly became poorly - her devastated family said - the day after Mother's Day, when Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the country's coronavirus lockdown.
As she first started to become ill, her retirement date was within touching distance, just 72 hours away.
The nurse, described by her bosses as "valued," went into Whiston Hospital at the start of the month where she spent about a week on a ventilator in intensive care.
The frontline worker, who tested positive with coronavirus, was transferred to Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, in Broadgreen, where she battled the virus for about a fortnight.
Sadly, on April 24, she lost her battle with the deadly virus.
Today, her heartbroken daughter Kerri told the ECHO: "Mum was loved by everyone.
"She was so funny and had so much to look forward to.
"Mum was very dedicated to her job, she would regularly cover people's shifts.
"We are devastated as we were looking forward to sharing so many occasions together."
The 44-year-old, who travelled up from her home in London to Widnes be with her mum, after signs of the virus became apparent, added: "We are heartbroken, mum was completely healthy.
"She was a bag of fun and used to love going shopping and for cocktails in Liverpool with her daughters and granddaughters.
"She just wanted to live life and was so loving and giving."
Ms Glassey could have retired 12 months earlier, but she continued to work as she was keen to try and pay her mortgage off.
Friends today expressed their shock, and recalled her "cheery face and enthusiasm" where she worked at Oak Meadow Community Support, in Widnes.
One woman said: "A beautiful and caring woman who had so much to look forward to.
"Her retirement hadn’t even begun.
"Cruel world, RIP Janice.
"A good friend and colleague who will be forever missed."
Another added: "Words can not express my sorrow for the loss of our Janice," and told how she "loved her job."
One woman, who knew the family well, described how her parents were much-loved neighbours, and said: "Fly high Janice, now you have your wings.
"Look after your lovely family from above."
In a statement, a spokeswoman for Bridgewater Community Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust said: "We are deeply saddened to report the death of our colleague Janice Glassey who was a much loved and valued member of the Halton Out of Hours District Nursing team.
"Janice was a healthcare assistant and gave 14 years of dedicated service to the people of Halton and tragically passed away on 24 April.
"Janice had tested positive for Covid-19.
"Our thoughts and condolences at this most difficult time are with Janice's family, friends and those who have worked with her for many years."
