Renee Carter, a founding member of the cancer charity and support group Melange, was recalled as “a superwoman” by her daughter after succumbing to the disease at the age of 56.

“She was a phenomenal woman and a pillar of strength,” Dominique Roberts told The Royal Gazette, saying her mother had been a stoic who kept working her hairdressing business up until her death.

“I don’t know how she did it.”

Ms Carter, who died peacefully at her Pembroke residence with her daughter at her side, had opted to finish her work with a client before heading to the hospital for her final treatment.

A stage four cancer patient, Ms Carter founded Melange in 2008 with friends Nicole Burrows and Tracy Marshall to give back to Pals and the Bermuda Cancer and Health Centre for helping her.

“It was something empowering for her, to help others — she was a very giving and caring person,” Ms Roberts said.

Her friend, Betty Doyling, said Ms Carter had been “always full of laughter, a joke or a word of wisdom”, calling her “honestly one of the strongest women I’ve ever known”.

Ms Doyling expressed amazement at her friend’s perseverance, continuing to work diligently from home until the end.

Ms Doyling said she would visit Ms Carter when she felt unwell after chemotherapy and “always get a smile”, while her daughter Zavia enjoyed playing the violin for her.

“Thank you for letting us share the joy of your mother, Dominique,” she added.

A funeral will be held for Ms Carter this Saturday at 1pm at St John’s Anglican Church in Pembroke, followed by a repast at The Hamilton Princess Hotel’s Harbour View ballroom from 4pm to 6pm.