THE family of much-loved mother-of-two Viv Hancock are remembering her as a passionate, determined and strong-willed character after she passed away peacefully earlier this month.

Viv, 54, who sadly lost her two-and-a-half-year battle with ovarian cancer on June 1, has been described as an inspirational figure who refused to let the condition rule her life.

She leaves behind her loving husband Pete and two sons Dan, 17, and Billy, 14.

Born in Oakham, Rutland her family, which included two brothers, Richard, 51, Matt, 49, and older sister Heather, 56, finally settled in Stonehouse after moves to Northampton, Butterow and Woodchester.

Viv married Pete in 1989, moving to Hyett Road in Cashes Green, where they remained for nearly 30 years.

A member of the PTA at the Shrubberies School in Stonehouse, where Dan was a pupil, Viv was a well-known member of the community in Stroud and Stonehouse.

Her family described Viv as an extraordinary woman who was brilliant in social situations.

“She was a confident person who was very popular with lots of friends,” said Pete.

“Viv was incredibly easy to talk to and loved social events.”

A creative person, Viv made her own wedding dress and enjoyed calligraphy. She also loved nature walks, travel and music and was brilliant at pub quizzes.

Viv was diagnosed in 2014 but refused to let it get her down and was extremely open about her condition.

Between her second and third lot of chemotherapy, Viv, Pete and the two boys took the trip of a lifetime to Vancouver Island in Canada.

A standout moment was seeing Viv complete a four hour walk called the Grouse Grind.

Following Viv’s peaceful passing, her sister-in-law Vicky Hancock posted a message on Facebook.

Many fond memories were shared with Viv being described as an inspirational person.

The SNJ spoke to Viv in January when she was due to model for a fashion show in aid of ovarian cancer charity Ovacome.

Unfortunately, she was very ill at the time and was unable to take part.

Although Viv was predominantly treated at home she spent a brief period of time at Sue Ryder Leckhampton Court Hospice.

The family would like to thank the oncology department at Cheltenham General Hospital, the district nurses and the palliative care team who went above and beyond their duty.

Her funeral is at 3.30pm on Tuesday, July 4 at Gloucester Crematorium and will be followed by a celebration of her life at Frocester Cricket Club from 5pm to 8pm. All friends welcome - bring photos and write down memories to share.

Instead of flowers please donate to either Ovacome at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vivhancock-ovacome or the Great Western Air Ambulance at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/vivhancock-gwaa