A mum-of-three who had a "heart of gold" died with coronavirus after 40 years working for the same NHS trust.
Margaret Waine was described as a "much-loved" employee of St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust after she died on Monday, March 1.
The 64-year-old healthcare assistant, who lived in St Helens, died at Whiston Hospital and had tested positive for Covid-19.
She was a mum-of-three to Michael, Elizabeth and Gregory, and grandmother to Olivia and Mason.
Margaret had worked at the Trust since 1981, and before then worked at the former St Helens Providence Hospital.
Hospital bosses said she "loved her family, her German Shepherd dog Ella and going on caravan holidays."
They added: "She was gentle, softly spoken and had a heart of gold."
Her family said: "Margaret was a devoted mother and grandmother.
"We cannot put into words how devastated we all are.
"She was so proud to work for the NHS and had extremely high standards always caring for her patients as if they were her own family, we will miss her so much.
"We would like to thank everyone for their kind words and offers of support at this dreadful time.”
Ann Marr, OBE, chief executive at St Helens and Knowsley Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “Margaret was a much-loved member of staff, always kind and caring towards her patients and colleagues.
"She worked nights on the Stroke Rehabilitation Ward at Whiston Hospital and was known for tucking her patients in and wishing them a restful night.
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"She will be greatly missed by everyone at the Trust.
"Our thoughts are with Margaret’s family and friends at this time and we offer them our sincere condolences.”
