SHOCK AS WOMAN DIES ON HOLIDAY

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Sad News

DIANA PRINCE HERALD REPORTER

05:30 - 10 March 2008

The shocked husband of a Plymouth woman who collapsed and died unexpectedly during a Spanish diving holiday has paid tribute to his 'lovely' wife.

Irene Cunningham, 53, of Greenbank, died in a hospital on the Costa del Sol on Saturday, March 1 after suffering a massive heart attack during a waterfront walk the previous day.

Her devastated husband Pete said it was 'an honour' to have been married to Irene, a 'right little tomboy' who was loved by everyone.

Pete, 51, said: "It's such a shock to us all, she went so suddenly.

"I am very lucky to have been married to her. It was an honour. She was a lovely woman, full of fun and life. Nothing got her down."

Pete said the couple had travelled to Spain on February 24 for a week of sunshine and diving. Having qualified as a PADI diver 18 months ago, she was building up her underwater experience in the Costa del Sol so she could fulfil her ambition of diving in the more challenging Red Sea.

"She always wanted to dive with me, she loved it," said Pete, who has been a diver for 20 years.

Irene suddenly collapsed as the two were walking along the waterfront on their way to a tapas bar at around 4pm on February 29, said Pete.

She was rushed to hospital and placed on a life support machine, but tragically died the next day.

After a medical examination, it was declared she had suffered a heart attack.

Pete said her death has come as a complete shock as Irene, known as Rene to her friends and family, was active and had no previous heart problems.

She regularly went to aerobics with her friends and sisters and attended belly dancing classes every week.

Pete said she also loved walking and the couple had been on many camping trips together.

"She was a proper little tomboy really," he said.

Irene worked in Royal Mail's customer service centre in Plymouth for more than seven years.

The daughter of an English mother and Polish father, Irena Dobrzanska was born and grew up in Plymstock. She had three sisters and a brother - Diane, Stephanie, Sally and Pete.

She met husband Pete, who is a builder by trade, at a mutual friend's birthday party in Plymouth 16 years ago. They married eight years later on August 19, 2000.

"We were together every day since we met and we've packed so much in. I've had more happiness in those years than most people in a lifetime," he said.

"Everyone loved her - her whole family, her nieces and nephews. She was very proud of her Polish background."

The couple travelled extensively through around the world, including many trips sightseeing in Europe. Last year they spent a month touring South Africa, and she qualified as a diver while in Gran Canaria.

They have no children.

Pete said he wanted to thank staff at Royal Mail centre for their kindness and support since her death.

Irene's funeral is due to be held at Efford Crematorium on Friday at 1pm.

[TrueBlueTerrier]

Deepest condolences to her family and colleagues at this tragic time.