A GREAT-grandmother who valiantly fought off a burglar at her home three years ago has died.

Fearless Edith Smith, of Wroughton, was woken by an intruder in June 2004, but sent the would-be thief packing, shooing him out of the house with her walking stick.

Edith, 93, died at the Great Western Hospital last weekend.

Her grandson Martin Upfold said everyone knew and loved her for her fighting spirit.

"My grandmother was always a fighter," he said. "She was such a fantastically strong spirited woman."

"That incident three and a half years ago was typical of her.

"We were very shocked because of what happened and worrying about old people being targeted because they are vulnerable. But we were so proud of her too.

"For weeks afterwards, whenever there was an incident with a pensioner getting burgled she would be mentioned. She became like a hero for other pensioners.

"And the other residents at Markham Place loved her for it.

Edith had lived alone for the last 11 years since husband Kenneth died of Alzheimer's disease.

Honda worker Martin, 43, of Park North, said her daughters Doreen Upfold and Eileen Towner, along with her four grandsons and six granddaughters would sorely miss her.

He said: "We are all going to miss her, especially me. I used to go over and see her a lot when I was younger. I used to spend hours sat chatting with her and would still pop in on her for a cup of tea when I had a chance between shifts.

"She was a typical grandmother. She always had time for her family, especially to treat her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"She looked after my grandad when he got ill. It must have been awful for her.

"She could have had a carer come and look after him, but she always said I married Kenneth in sickness and health, so I'm going to look after him in sickness and health.'"

Edith's health deteriorated after a fall in May and another fall two month ago. She died from thrombosis last Saturday.

Despite starting to feel her age, Edith was still keen to get back home. "When she first went into hospital she said she couldn't wait to get back home and do her own cooking," Martin said.

"She was like that. She wanted to take care of herself and everyone else."

Edith's funeral will be at Kingsdown Crematorium on Tuesday at 12.30pm.

Edith's family have asked for family flowers only. Anyone wanting to make a donation instead should make pledges in her name to the Alzheimer's Society.