Late of Dee Why, Sydney and formerly of Narromine, Mrs Gainsford, 69, lost her third bout of cancer on Saturday, February 28 in Wahroonga, Sydney.

She was a loving wife to her husband of 48 years, Brian, a caring mother and mother-in-law to Melinda, David, Mark and Gina, and a treasured grandmother to her five grandchildren, Sam, Isabella, Abbey, Nicholas and Gabriella.

Born in Essendon, Victoria on June 26, 1945, Mrs Gainsford grew up at Dubbo before marrying Brian in 1967, which saw her take up the role of the farmer's wife on the Gainsford family property, Brooklyn.

A natural family woman and mother to Melinda and David, her strength during her three bouts of cancer has been the backbone of the Gainsford family structure.

At the age of 28, Mrs Gainsford was diagnosed with parathyroid cancer and an inoperable non-Hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 50.

On both occasions the prognosis was not good, but Mrs Gainsford showed her true colours and bravely fought the disease.

Although she was a model for Grace Bros in her early days and crowned Miss Dubbo and the NSW White Rose at the age of 17, Mrs Gainsford took to rural life at Brooklyn like a duck to water.

Described by her husband as "the ultimate farmer's wife", there was nothing Mrs Gainsford couldn't do, from driving tractors to mustering and drafting sheep.

If anything, Mr Gainsford said, his wife was a great entertainer.

During his time with NSW Country Cricket, Mr Gainsford said his wife's role was to meet and greet the guests at the annual dinner, a job which she took in her stride.

"She lit up the room," he said.

She was very much a part of her children's lives, being a passionate supporter of Melinda's track career and David's time on the cricket pitch.

Unfortunately her life had been clouded with cancer and the thought of it returning, but she fought it until the end.

Mr Gainsford fondly recalled her support during his 45 years of cricket, which was "unforgettable".

He said the love she had for her family was indescribable.

Putting others first, even as she tackled her own journey, was an admirable quality in Mrs Gainsford which many will be sure not to forget.

A funeral service for Mrs Gainsford will be held for on Friday, March 6 at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, Whistler Street, Manly at 11am.

Rest in peace, Jilly.