TRIBUTES have poured in for an ‘inspiring’ grandmother who has lost her battle with breast cancer.

Heartfelt tributes have flooded in for mum-of-three and beloved grandmother Edna Walmsley, from Kendal.

The 78-year-old was described as a ‘force to be reckoned with’ who was ‘competent right until the end’.

David Walmsley, her husband of 54 years, said: “She was a formidable lady who very much had a soft side as well.”

The pair first met on a blind date over 50 years ago and went on to have three children, Helen, Andrea and Ian.

The pair moved from Haigh to Coniston 45 years ago where Mrs Walmsley worked at the village post office and soon became well known among the locals.

She worshipped at St Andrew’s Church, serving as sidesperson and churchwarden before the family moved to Kendal 15 years ago.

Mrs Walmsley was described as a ‘globetrotter’ who loved travelling and her love of cricket meant that she planned several holidays to fit around important matches.

Mr Walmsley, who is secretary of Furness Beekeepers, which owns an apiary in Ulverston, described his wife as a ‘reluctant bee-keeper’.

He said: “Edna was happy to join in with the beekeeping when she was at home

“She used to say if she didn’t come with me to the bees, she wouldn’t have seen me.”

Mrs Walmsley was first diagnosed with terminal breast cancer four years ago.

“It hadn’t been spotted on the mammograms despite lots of check ups,” said Mr Walmsley.

“They thought it was lymphoma at first before they discovered a tumour in her breast.

“Covid didn’t make things easy because we could only have 20 people at the funeral, otherwise we would’ve filled the church.

“There’s going to be a memorial service for her in January.”

Mrs Walmsley was Cumbria co-ordinator for the Mother’s Union - a Christian charity that seeks to support families worldwide.

She was a member of Coniston Branch for many years, being branch leader until 2005 and later taking over the treasurer’s role.

Mr Walmsley said the charity was ‘the main focus of her life’, especially after her diagnosis four years ago.

Ms Eadington, Diocesan President for the Carlisle Diocese Mothers’ Union, said: “Edna’s unceasing support at all levels of the organisation was an example to all."

A fundraiser has been set up by Mrs Walmsley’s family for Macmillan Cancer Support. To donate, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/donations-to-macmillan-in-memory-of-edna-walmsley.