The family of a "quirky and driven" art gallery owner, who died after falling from a rooftop garden, have paid a glowing tribute to her.

Popular Lana Vanzetta, who ran and lived at Margate House in the town’s high street, suffered fatal injuries in the tragic accident this year.

Her family were left devastated by the Margate resident's sudden death on July 27 and have struggled to talk about the incident.

But in an emotional tribute to her sister, Maxine Vanzetta has bravely spoken about Lana - describing her as “a force to be reckoned with”.

“My sister was beyond intelligent, passionate and a very driven person - a bit of a work horse is what I would call her," she told KentOnline.

“She single handedly took on a monstrosity of a project - a landmark of a building that she brought life to by refurbishing it, now known as Margate House.

“Her second and most recent passion and adventure was what she referred to as the garden pod and known as Margate Pod Garden. It was her obsession.

“It was a project that brought life back into Margate by means of a garden that would provide vegetables, herbs and more - thus recognising the less fortunate and bringing hope to the community.”

Her friends and family have organised for a plaque to be put outside her art gallery and for a bench in her memory to be put in her favourite spot, Holly Park in Margate.

Michelle Marie Vanzetta was born in Glasgow on March 1, 1962, into a family which was not privileged.

They soon moved to Canada in 1965 where Lana - as she grew older - took an interest in photography.

She became a contract photographer for the likes of Dr. Martens, Canadian singer Jann Arden and even Madonna - producing an impressive portfolio.

Lana later enrolled at the University of Calgary as a mature student and graduated in 1996, before moving to London.

Her family said how she changed her name to “better suited” Lana and immediately hit the ground running.

“She met many people, collaborated, made friends forever and started her new life,” they said.

“Her love was helping disenfranchised women and children and it became her life.”

Lana then bagged a master’s degree in film in London and was looking for a "quieter lifestyle".

Ms Vanzetta, who is survived by her husband Carl Abad and son Grant, moved to Margate due to its thriving art scene.

She soon refurbished Margate House and turned it into her own gallery in the town's high street.

Her sister told how Christmas was her favourite time of the year - so tomorrow will be especially difficult for all of them.

"We miss you, we love you and we will never forget you," her sister added.

An inquest in November was told how Ms Vanzetta fell to the ground in an alleyway beside KFC at 11.48am on July 27.

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