Mel Dzelde, SA radio identity and author, has died after twin battles with cancer and motor neurone disease. Mel’s husband, and fellow radio personality Chris, said she passed away “peacefully in her sleep” on Thursday morning, December 8. (Story courtesy of The Advertiser)

“Her joy and incredibly gracious spirit will, however, live on in all who were touched by her particularly powerful, wonderful magic,” he wrote in a social media post.

“Thank you my darling wife, for nearly ten years of married bliss! (we still called ourselves Newlyweds!), and I remain in constant awe of the happiness you beamed over EVERYONE!

“And, we’ll make sure the beams continue! (they may even be more powerful now!)”

The mother of three beat rectal cancer three times only to have it return once more before she was diagnosed with MND.

Chris announced Mel’s death on Instagram, and comments underneath were filled with tributes and messages.

“Oh Chris, what a beautiful beacon of light she was in this world. Your romance was so beautiful to see. I am so very deeply sorry for you and your extended family at this incredibly sad time. Much love,” one said.

“I’m really going to miss her. I’m so sad right now. We developed a real friendship over this past year on Instagram while going through chemo treatments. What a beautiful positive person she was and such an inspiration to all. May she RIP.” said another.

In September last year, Mel told The Advertiser “I’ve always been a positive person and I look for the joy in each and every day,”

“It is challenging and it can be scary but I don’t want to live in fear — I want to live, love and laugh every day.”

In November, Oprah Winfrey pledged $15,000 to Mel’s Go Fund Me page, organised by The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show, and called her, making her Christmas wishes come true.

The Ali Clarke Breakfast Show partnered with the brekky team from Power FM to fulfil Mel’s wish to have a special Christmas with her family and loved ones, surprising her with a series of gestures and gifts, including Oprah.

“You are such an inspiration. You are the greatest human spirit we have all witnessed. We’ve never met a woman like you know.” Oprah told her.

“So blessings to you and thank you for all the grace and inspiration you’ve given to all of us.”