Alderley Edge councillor Elizabeth Gilliland has died after a private two-year battle with cancer.

Coun Gilliland’s death has shocked colleagues and constituents who knew nothing of her illness, despite her working through two courses of chemotherapy.

A Conservative, she held office for 11 years. She was elected shadow councillor for Alderley Edge in 2008 and then took up full duties for the ward in 2009. She continued with her work on Cheshire East Council while covering her hair loss with a custom-made wig.

The grandmother-of-six, 68, of Henbury Rise in Henbury, died at East Cheshire Hospice on Wednesday, July 7 with her family by her side.

Her son David Gilliland, 44, who lives in Sussex, said: "She was fighting it and she thought she was going to beat it.

"She didn’t want many people to know, she only told a very small circle of people.

"She was very strong, she didn’t complain even after hours of chemotherapy.

"She didn’t like being the centre of attention, lots of people didn’t know she was ill, but that’s the way she wanted it.

"This was not a shock to us and I think she had made her peace long before she died, which is what we have done too."

Her daughter Fiona Baker, 42, who lives in Wales, said: "Her real passion was her grandchildren. No matter what they are involved in she would always come down to Wales or Sussex to support them, particularly if it was a sporting event, she loved it."

Former Macclesfield MP Sir Nicholas Winterton, who worked with Coun Gilliland and was also a close friend, said: "I knew Elizabeth for many, many years. She was a wonderful person to work with. She was a friend, a support and a confidant.

"Nobody could have worked harder towards providing the outstanding public service that Elizabeth gave, her family should be very proud."

Coun Carolyn Andrew, who was a close friend and represented the same ward as Coun Gilliland, said: "Elizabeth was a most conscientious and caring councillor, who worked very hard for the residents in the parishes which comprise Alderley Ward.

"I shall miss her very much."

CEC leader Coun Wesley Fitzgerald, said: "Our thoughts are with her family at this difficult time."

The funeral service was due to take place yesterday Wednesday) at St Thomas’ Church in Henbury, followed by a private committal ceremony at Macclesfield Crematorium.