After a long struggle with cancer, Dianne Whalen, Newfoundland and Labrador’s minister of municipal affairs finally succumbed to the disease.

Her death was announced in a government release by Premier Danny Williams on Sunday night.

He said, “It is with a very heavy heart that I mourn the passing of my cabinet colleague and dear friend, Dianne Whalen; one of the most courageous individuals I have ever known and one of our province's most devoted champions.”

The release did not mention the time of her death but the Conservative politician had been sick for quiet some time. She returned to work in March this year after a break when another minister took over her work last November.

“Even during her illness, she continued to diligently advance the work of her department and participate fully in cabinet, always determined to carry on with her responsibilities," said Williams.

She was also the minister responsible for emergency preparedness at the time of her death. Whalen was first elected to the legislature in the year 2003 in the district of Conception Bay East – Bell Island after having served as the mayor of Paradise, N. L. for 18 long years.