TRIBUTES have been paid to a brave pensioner who battled a catalogue of illnesses.

Elizabeth Ann Down, 90, from Shotton, died on June 12 after a series of complications including two strokes, a heart attack, osteoporosis, septicaemia, blindness and Parkinson’s disease.

Her daughter Megan, 50, says her brave mum could light up any room.

She told the Leader: “I just want people to know what an amazing lady she was.

The courage she had was inspiring and she never ever complained.

“She was always laughing and asking about other people. Even the paramedics who dealt with her have got nothing but admiration for her.

“I have cried that much and through the crying I can hear my mum saying ‘don’t forget to pay the rent.’ She could always make me laugh.”

Megan gave up her job at Littlewoods in Chester when she was 38 to become a full-time carer for her mum.

Her father Richard Owen Jones died 22 years ago aged 78.

To mark the end of Carers Week, which was celebrated June 14-20, Megan says there is no better time to think about becoming a carer.

“What I had to deal with as a carer was second to none,” added Megan. “Someone told me I was doing the job of 20 nurses, but it is so rewarding at the same time.”

Megan has paid tribute to Deeside Medical Centre, Queensferry paramedics and staff from Wrexham Maelor, Broad Green, St Asaph and Bodelwyddan hospitals for their help in caring for her mother.

Elizabeth’s funeral is on Friday  at Mancot Chapel at 10.30am.

Donations will go to the British Heart Foundation.