A HEARTBROKEN family today paid tribute to their wonderful daughter who died suddenly at the age of just 39.

High-flying graduate Gillian Smith passed away last month and her devastated parents are still trying to come to terms with their dreadful loss.

Gillian, a former air stewardess, gained a degree in travel and tourism from Glasgow Caledonian University, and was one of the top students in her year.

Hundreds of mourners recently turned out to pay their respects to popular Gillian at a service in the Holy Family Church.

Gillian's parents, Tom and Ellen, of Port Glasgow, were very proud of her achievements, bubbly personality and caring nature.

Tom said: "She always had a smile on her face - a lovely smile - and her laugh was infectious.

"After she graduated, she worked for airline companies for many years and was well travelled. She flew all over the world, meeting lots of people who had remained friends.

"It was fun for her - it wasn't really a job. It was a personal goal for her to fly with Virgin Atlantic and one she achieved." Despite a successful career and busy social life, the family say Gillian always had time to lend a sympathetic ear.

Her mother Ellen said: "Gillian was a lovely girl and no matter what time of night she would give up her time to talk to people.

"She was kind and generous and a best friend to many, always putting other people before herself - she was like an agony aunt.

"Other people's needs were more important to Gillian and she would say there were other people much worse off than her." The fitness fan, who didn't smoke or drink, latterly changed careers to become a receptionist at Greenock Health Centre.

Her devastated sister Sharon, who lives on the Channel Island of Guernsey, said Gillian 'brought the sunshine wherever she went' and was a much-loved aunt to her children Chloe and Craig.

Sharon said: "Gillian spent many a holiday in Guernsey with her beloved niece and nephew, Chloe and Craig.

"I always said when she came over the sun always shone and that summed her up as a person - she lit people's lives up.

"For her niece and nephew, she was an inspiration, and there was nobody like auntie Gillian." Gillian's family would like to thank everyone who sent cards and flowers, and for all the support they have shown at this sad time.