Cancer claims Barrowford woman after brave battle (From Burnley and Pendle Citizen)

Cancer claims Barrowford woman after brave battle

7:00pm Wednesday 16th January 2013 in News By Chris Gee, Reporter

TRIBUTES have been paid after the death of a ‘strong and dignified’ Pendle woman who battled a hereditary form of breast cancer.

Jacqueline Robinson, 58, of Barrowford, died peacefully at home surrounded by family, including husband Stuart and son Paul.

Jacqueline’s sisters, Maxine Betts, 44, and Eileen Eve, 47, have faced their own battles with cancer, as a result of carrying the BRCA gene, which increases the risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

The disease also claimed Mrs Robinson’s mother, Marlene Hartley, who died of breast cancer in 1994 aged 60.

Maxine, who lives in Nelson, had both breasts removed and a reconstruction after finding out she had the gene, while Eileen, from Barrowford, is in remission.

Mrs Robinson also had a third sister, Maureen.

Maxine, who works at Asda, said that after losing their parents, Jacqueline was “the head of the family”.

She said: “Jacqueline was a dignified lady, full of fun, a fantastic, strong, extremely kind woman.

“She was an example to us all, looking on the positive side and was devoted to all her family.

“Her example and strength will not be forgotten.” Mrs Robinson worked as a supervisor at Protech Fire Detection in Nelson for more than 30 years, a job which Maxine said “she loved”.

She was also often seen walking her springer spaniel Max around Barrowford.

Her funeral service at Higherford Methodist church last Friday saw more than 150 people attend.

The sisters organised several fundraising and awareness events for cancer charities and Maxine and her school pal Carole Taylor have set up a tribute site which has now raised more than £4,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Mrs Robinson’s charity page is uk.virginmoney giving/team/jackierobinson