MARION Stansfield, mother of singer Lisa Stansfield and her two sisters, has died at the age of 63.

She passed away in her sleep at the family's holiday home in Tenerife on 27 September.

Her husband Keith said: "Her death came as a great to shock to us all and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her."

Born in Wigan, Mrs Stansfield came to Rochdale in the 1950s, working at the Era Ring Mill in Woodbine Street, where she met her husband to be.

They were married in 1961 when Marion was 18 and in 1963 Karen was born, to be followed by Lisa in 1966 and Suzanne in 1970.

Mr Stansfield said: "Marion was very much a family person who would do anything to help anybody."

Youngest daughter Suzanne said: "Mum was a lovely person who just had to talk to everyone she met.

"She was always sending people cards. She was a caring, big-hearted person who we will all miss very dearly."

Lisa, a talented singer at school who went on to become world famous, said: "She used to drive me to clubs for engagements and when I was 16 I got a job presenting a TV show in Newcastle.

"My mum didn't really like driving, but she carried on.

"Once I remember we got stuck in a snow storm, but she carried on to get me there in time.

"She was an amazing, incredible person."

Her funeral takes place at St Clement's Church, Spotland, on Monday at 1pm followed by interment at Rochdale Cemetery.

Mrs Stansfield is survived by her children Karen, Lisa and Suzanne, her husband Keith, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

There will be a full tribute to Marion Stansfield in Wednesday's Observer.