FRIENDS and colleagues of a mother who died from cancer paid glowing tributes to her today.

FRIENDS and colleagues of a mother who died from cancer paid glowing tributes to her today.

Mum-of-two Jayne O'Donovan died at her home on February 10, aged 46. Her funeral takes place this week.

Mrs O'Donovan was the manager of the motors section in the advertising department at Archant, publisher of The Evening Star and sister paper the East Anglian Daily Times.

She started at the firm in November 2005 and had been due to take up a new position, managing the telesales team.

Her colleagues today described her as “kind,” thoughtful” and an all round “special person”.

She was known for her “northern, dry sense of humour” and was always ready to help and listen to others.

One colleague said: “Jayne was just a lovely person, a good colleague and a very kind and caring friend. I miss her very much.”

Another said: “She had a sympathetic ear and would always make time for you.”

As well as having a “gritty determination to succeed”, her colleagues said they would also remember her as being unassuming, mild natured and “one of the nice people in the world”.

Julian Evans, advertising manager, said: “A tragic loss. Jayne was a wonderful person to work with and is missed by all her colleagues. Working with Jayne was a pleasure, always upbeat and humorous, a salt of the earth person. Jayne said things as they were, she told you directly what she thought, her honesty and openness were refreshing and Jayne proved good counsel for her colleagues and friends.

“Jayne was the epitome of a good advertising manager- she worked hard and had a good laugh. She was supportive to her team and totally dedicated to her work. A devoted mother and wife Jayne talked constantly of her husband and children. All those that worked closely with Jayne feel a connection with her family in their grief.”

She leaves her husband, John, and sons, Liam and Niall.

Her funeral will take place at 2pm on Thursdayat St John's Church, Church Street, Saxmundham.

The family have requested no flowers. However, if anyone would like to make a donation to St Elizabeth Hospice, they can send a cheque to the hospice, c/o Tony Brown's Funeral Service, Saxmundham, IP17 1EH.