TOUCHING tributes have been paid after the death of a "loving, kind, and generous" Crossford woman who dedicated her life to helping others.

Diane Garriock, who was just 53, died on Monday in London surrounded by her family after she was hospitalised suddenly while on holiday.

Her mum, Isobel Garriock, said: "She had many friends and everyone who knew her loved her. She was a very special person.

"Life for us all will never be the same again without her. We are all heartbroken.

"She was a loving, kind, generous daughter, a much-loved partner to Bob, loved Auntie to Kaiya, Kodi, Zoë and Sam.

"Loving sister to Derek and Suzanne, loving sister-in-law to Susan and Kenny, also niece to Margaret, Moira, Elaine, Chris, Mary, and Brenda and cousin to many.

"Thanks to everyone who has been in touch with all the family."

Diane, who her mum says was known by friends as the 'Lady in red' for her love of red poppies, founded Kingdom Insurance on Hope Street in 1999, while giving her spare time as a trustee and volunteer at Dunfermline Foodbank.

She had also been a community stalwart in Inverkeithing, helping with the town's newsletter for several years and with the Highland Games.

Councillor David Barratt said that her death had been a "big loss and a big shock" to those who knew her and worked alongside her.

"She was a really big part of the community," he added.

"There wasn't a lot of fanfare around what she did, so she wouldn't have been known by everyone, but if there was something going on she would have always been in the background somewhere.

"She's always been here as long as I have, a lot of people have a lot of good things to say about her."

During the pandemic Diane had "almost single-handedly" kept Inverkeithing Foodbank going, acting as trustee and volunteer, with the service saying she would be "sorely missed".

Sandra Beveridge, project manager, said: "Diane kept Inverkeithing Foodbank open and ran it almost single-handedly during the first lockdown of the pandemic – her hard work and dedication was second to none.

"I will miss her commitment and her great advice; she was such a lovely, bubbly person and was always on hand if I needed her."

Martin Smith, trustee chair, added: "Diane was a hugely-valued member of our trustee board over many years and her dedication, wisdom and encouraging attitude was greatly appreciated and she will be sorely missed."

They further posted online: "Although we only knew Diane for the work she did for Dunfermline Foodbank, we know she will be greatly missed within the local business community and wider networks.

"Her dedication to every role she took on was outstanding and the contribution she made to each one will never be forgotten. We send our prayers and thoughts to all her family and friends at this sad time."

She had also served as BNI (Business Network International) chair, helping with networking for small businesses in the area, and as president of the Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay Rotary Club for a period of two years.

Doug Ritchie, from the group, said: "Diane joined Inverkeithing and Dalgety Bay Rotary in 2013 and was immediately a very active member.

"She soon took on the role of fundraising convener and successfully ran events like the Charity Golf Day and Junefest Beer Festival.

"In July 2019, she became club president and led the club through the issues of COVID-19, retiring as president in June 2021.

"Diane then took on the role of membership convener, which she held until August, when she switched to community services convener, which would allow her to develop projects close to her heart.

"Sadly, that was not to be. The club will miss her enthusiasm and cheery personality which were always evident."