DESCRIBED as ‘one in a million’, Susan Swan, commonly known as Swannie, died peacefully at St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice in Taunton on Monday of last week at the age of 60.

Close friend Monica Spalding, who is secretary of Wellington Operatic Society, said she was a ‘one-off’ with a unique personality and had many friends. We are all going to miss her terribly,” she said. “People will remember her for the many shows she appeared in.

“She was a member of the Wellington Arts Association and took part in local pantomimes, operatic society and civic players’ shows.

“She was a wizard with props and did not mind approaching people to get them. She once got me a yacht which she saw in someone’s garden.

“She was diagnosed with breast cancer some years ago and thought she had got over it. But 18 months ago it came back.”

The funeral service takes place at the Minster Church of St Mary the Virgin, North Petherton, on Thursday, March 3 (2pm), which is followed by a private cremation. Mourners are asked to wear black and purple.

Family flowers only by request but donations if desired for St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice or Cancer Research UK may be sent to Nigel Ford, Funeral Directors, 45 Station Road, Taunton.