A “CARING and compassionate” nurse has died aged 55.

Louisa Smigielska, who was born on April 30, 1963, will be remembered by her family for her “workaholic” and “loveable” nature, her family said.

From working in Canada and Germany, to earning a managerial position in a dementia care home, Louisa had worked in the care industry for more than 20 years.

Living in Salisbury her whole life, Louisa ended her jobs abroad by working as a registered nurse at Little Manor Nursing Home, followed by Camelot Care Homes in Amesbury for 14 years.

And since 2012 Louisa has worked at Winton House in Nether Wallop, first as a sister and then as a registered manager.

Louisa and partner, Andy Phillips, were together for 27 years after meeting at Dorchester Market, and have lived in various homes in the city since, later with daughters, Alannah, 16, and Sasha, 25.

Louisa’s daughter Alannah described her as “caring and compassionate”, adding: “Even when she was ill she was helping and checking everything ran smoothly. She will always be here in our lives.”

Andy said: “She was Salisbury born and bred and just loved working, and she should be given recognition for her work because she was just an angel.

“Lou worked so hard for the elderly and people with dementia especially, and I have never known anyone to have a bad word to say about her.”

Louisa had several interests including gardening, reading, travelling and going to the theatre.

She also enjoyed going to town on Saturdays for a coffee and to have “a mooch” around the shops, and was “obsessed with candles”, Alannah said.

Andy added: “She was a brilliant mother and a fantastic partner, I am going to miss her so much. Anyone who knew Lou is welcome to join us at the funeral. We will not be mourning but celebrating her life.”

Louisa’s funeral will be held at Salisbury Crematorium on Saturday at 12pm.