By Canadian Press

Cancer victim in Newfoundland dies after big lottery win in November

Jan 10, 2018 | 10:15 AM

MOUNT PEARL, N.L. — A Newfoundland woman who was suffering from an advanced form of cancer when she won a $1.5-million lottery jackpot in November has died.

Diane Elaine Bishop of Mount Pearl had Stage 4 breast cancer.

An online obituary says the 51-year-old convenience store operator, who had two sons in their 20s, died Tuesday surrounded by her family.

In October, Bishop told CBC she couldn’t afford to stop working at the store in Mount Pearl despite her diagnosis and a daily battle with joint pain, nausea and headaches.

Strangers soon started to come forward to offer her financial support.

HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

Summer pool hours extended and discounts applied as Big Marble Go Centre upgrades start

15h ago

Medicine Hat company drawing in clients with witty signage

Apr 16, 2024

Medicine Hat College holding event for missing and murdered Indigenous women awareness day

Apr 16, 2024

When she won the lottery a month later, she said was responding to chemotherapy treatment. 

“This money wasn’t about going out and buying a new house or taking trips,” she said at the time. “This was about survival. I can survive now, and my kids can survive.”

There was a growing list of online tributes to Bishop on Wednesday.

“Her continuing public struggle to fight for government medical funding for all terminal patients everywhere, has been incredibly moving,” said one message on a funeral home site.

“Being a single mother, running a business, fighting the good fight, keeping a beacon of positive light lit for all around her, and all the while dealing with a terminal illness … literally left me speechless and in awe.”

Lynda Trelegan also expressed her condolences online, saying: “Diane was the most kind, thoughtful and courageous person that I had have ever met. She fought long and hard, and I pray that she is now at peace.”

A funeral service is planned for Saturday at Barrett’s Funeral Home Chapel in St. John’s.

The Canadian Press