SUSAN Mary West, who spent her childhood growing up in Box, died at her Trowbridge home in bed, on October 29, at the age of 58, due to a pulmonary embolism.

Originally from Bath, Mrs West trained as a nurse and spent more than 35 years as a midwife.

She had just taken early retirement from the Trowbridge Birthing Centre in July where she had worked since the late 1980s and was planning many years of sailing holidays with close friends.

Her husband David West died five years ago and she leaves a stepdaughter, a brother and grandchildren Imogen and Brinn.

Known as Susan Hill professionally, Mrs West married David in May 1997 in the register office in Trowbridge.

She was a keen artist, doing painting courses and producing art work, some of which are hanging in her old work place at the birthing centre.

A colleague of Mrs West, Louise Adams, 53, said: “It is with very great sadness that I write these words. A very dear friend and colleague to all here at Trowbridge Birthing Centre has died suddenly.

“We have lost our darling midwife Sue Hill. Many of you out there will have known her and I know will have benefited from her excellent care. We as a team are united in mourning and will all miss her a great deal.

“Although Sue retired just three months ago she has continued to join with friends for social events and will be sadly missed.

“Our thoughts are with all who remain behind now and will feel the loss of such a wonderful person.”