SHE was “so proud” of what she had been able to pack into a life cruelly cut short by cancer.

Tributes have been paid to Wendy Butler, who was named one of Britain’s most inspiring women of 2011.

Her story of a fight against a terminal diagnosis touched thousands and created a loyal army of online followers.

At the end of last year she was named among the top 100 most inspiring women of 2011 by Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour.

The 56-year-old, from Ascott-under-Wychwood, passed away last week and her funeral was held on Wednesday.

It is just a year since the then Royal Bank of Scotland director’s routine medical showed she had inoperable pancreatic cancer, which had spread to her lungs and liver.

On her diagnosis, Mrs Butler decided on a number of things she wanted to do before she died, including going in a hot-air balloon, going on the Orient Express, visiting friends in France and learning to play the ukulele.

Mrs Butler, who was not a smoker or drinker and had no history of the disease in her family, is survived by her husband Peter, two daughters and two step-daughters.

On the popular blog chronicling his wife’s battle with cancer, Wendy’s Army, Mr Butler wrote last week: “Captain Peter Butler reporting – standing to attention, chest out with huge sense of pride.

“Our wonderful leader, my beautiful wife and the mother of Natalie and Becky has left the regiment in the most dignified and peaceful way imaginable.”

He added: “She had no pain, she just drifted away in her sleep. The whole family are so grateful for the support the army has provided to us.

“Wendy told me she was ready to go, she had achieved all she could, she was so proud of what she had been able to pack into her, all-too-short, life.”

Speaking last summer, Mrs Butler said: “When I first found out, I was walking across Tower Bridge and I considered jumping into the river. I thought, ‘what is the point? Now I just want to enjoy life and every single day, which is a much better place to be in.”

Ali Stunt, the chief executive of Pancreatic Cancer Action charity, quickly formed a lasting friendship with Mrs Butler after the pair were put in touch shortly after the diagnosis.

She said: “Like over half of pancreatic cancer patients, Wendy hadn’t heard of pancreatic cancer before her own diagnosis.

“Determined to raise awareness of a disease which kills more than 22 people a day in the UK, Wendy has been a true ambassador for pancreatic cancer.

“Her courageous attitude in facing a terminal prognosis, which she did with such dignity and serenity, was nothing short of amazing.”

WENDY'S ARMY Some of more than 100 tributes left on the blog: “It is hard to imagine a more impressive person than Wendy and it is impossible to imagine a better death.”

“We will always keep her in our heart as the elegant, kind, energetic, brave and inspirational lady that she has always been. A true leader who moved a whole army to fight by her side without even asking them to do so.”

“RIP Wendy, you were a beautiful and courageous woman who touched many.”

“There is comfort in knowing Wendy has left her gifts of serenity, contentedness and her all-enduring love.”