TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who was a ‘true character’ and filled people’s hearts with glee.

Jane Carpenter, who ran a popular stall in Tavistock Pannier Market called Jane’s Cakes, died on December 21 following a battle with cancer at the age of 54.

Jane, a former Tavistock College student, was well-known for her cooking creations, from her cakes to the deep-filled homity pies, all sold from her units where she was based for many years.

Jane began her culinary career in the market 20 years ago, working her way up from a small stall in the market’s centre to two lockable units on the south side.

After her death, the shutters were drawn on her two units, but one remained slightly raised to allow people to pay their respects to Jane in the form of cards, flowers, or writing down their memories of the woman who stood in the market ‘with a smile for everyone’.

Colin Jenkin, owner of Fudgetastic, who was Jane’s market neighbour for 15 years, said that Jane had a heart of gold and that he would miss her positive and jolly personality.

‘She was always smiling — even throughout all of her treatment, she was still upbeat and was still thinking of others.

‘She was one of the loveliest people that you could meet.’

Jane was the much loved wife of Graham, whom she met while working at the Burrator Inn, daughter to Peggy, beloved sister to Christine and brother-in-law of Pete. She was auntie to Natalie, Jessica, Lee and Dude. Her funeral was held at Weston Mill Crematorium last Thursday (January 10).

Duane Carruthers, market reeve, added: ‘Jane was the heartbeat of the market.

‘She always had a friendly smile for staff, fellow traders and customers — she will be sorely missed.

‘We haven’t just lost a trader, we have lost a friend and she will be missed by all.

‘The funeral service summed up Jane and her positive and bubbly personality.’

Tony Smith from Lydford sent a tribute: ‘I was so sad to hear of the passing of my good friend Jane, who, for so many years had an amazing stall.

‘Her display of so many scrumptious “goodies” was a sight to behold and her culinary talents were always there for all to see.’