Cancer patient Hope King passes away at age 55

A terminally-ill woman, who went sledding after two communities helped to grant her final wish, passed away today.

An official with the town of Harbour Grace told CBC News that Hope King died Monday morning.

She was 55.

Former Harbour Grace mayor and friend, Don Coombs, said King inspired many people by the way she took on her battle with cancer.

"Just a gentle human being that had a great love of life — certainly a smile that was contagious," Coombs said. "Always in a good mood, always uplifting and a hard worker, and just a wonderful lady."

A few days before Christmas, neighbours in Harbour Grace and nearby Bay Roberts threw a community party for King, and helped her fulfill her final wish. She wanted to go sledding down the hill near her Harbour Grace home to relive her favourite childhood moments.

"I'm really blown away by everything that's happening here," King told CBC News in December.

Town officials and crews donated time and equipment to truck ice shavings and snow from two local hockey rinks in order for King to go sliding.

At the time, King was adamant not to put her life on hold because of her diagnosis.

"Life still goes on. You still have to live. So I am going to make the most of every day that I do live," she said.

Coombs said she will be remembered as an inspiration to the entire community.

"She took this battle on and she battled right to the end," Coombs told CBC News on Monday.

"Another young lady gone too quick."

King had been battling liver and lung cancer.