Family's tribute to nurse found dead in her village
Tributes have been paid to a woman described as 'a rock' by her family after she was discovered dead in the village where she lived.
The body of missing nurse Ann Burdett was found in Bishops Offley near Stafford, on Thursday.
The 46 year old had been reported missing from her home on Wednesday.
In a moving tribute, her brother David said: "Ann was the rock in my life, especially after our parents passed away. She was the warmest, funniest and most honest person I have ever known. Apart from being my sister, she was also my friend."
Mrs Burdett worked at the neonatal department at both the County Hospital in Stafford and The Royal Stoke University Hospital for more than 22 years.
Friends and colleagues have also paid their respects on social media. Joanne Looker wrote: "I did my nurse training with Ann.We shared a flat for three years. Such a lovely person so sad love to her family."
Another post read: "It is with great sadness that today we lost Ann Burdett a great friend and riding partner. You will be missed by so many. Gone from us much too soon. Our thoughts go to Ann's relatives in particular Andy Ward, Ann's partner."
Liz Rix, Chief Nurse at the University Hospital of North Midlands, led the tributes from senior staff. She said: "Ann was a dedicated member of staff who cared deeply for the babies she looked after."
Kim Woolliscroft, Matron for Child Health, added: "Those who were fortunate to have worked with her knew that she most enjoyed her time with her family, walking her dog and riding her horse. Ann will be missed greatly by everyone who knew her."
Police say the death is not being treated as suspicious.
