A retired librarian who "loved books, animals and people" died after suffering a spinal injury following a fall at her High Wycombe home, an inquest heard.
Beaconsfield Coroner's Court heard how Wanda Jadwiga Van-Der-Zyden, known to family and friends as Lou, was found dead at her home in Cumbrian Way on April 18 this year, at the age of 72.
Assistant Coroner Gemma Brannigan, who conducted the inquest on July 22, recorded a conclusion of accidental death.
The hearing was attended by Ms Van-Der-Zyden's sister Barbra, daughter Zara, and Zara’s partner, David.
A pen portrait written by Zara was read out by the coroner, describing her mother as a caring and compassionate woman.
Born in Lancaster, Lancashire, she was of Polish heritage and grew up with three siblings.
The court heard how the 72-year-old had fond memories of family life and was particularly proud of returning to education as a mature student in her 40s.
She later worked as a librarian at Buckinghamshire New University, where she enjoyed helping students and supporting them in their studies.
However, several serious health conditions, including brain surgery, a stroke and breast cancer, meant she retired on ill-health grounds.
Zara described her mother as a devoted animal lover who cared deeply about the natural world.
A pescatarian, she supported charitable causes and adored her pets, including an energetic kitten which now lives with her daughter.
"She loved books, animals, people, was always caring and had a good heart," Zara said.
The inquest heard the family became concerned after messages sent to Ms Van-Der-Zyden went unanswered, with the last known contact taking place on April 16, two days before she was found.
After emergency services were called, South Central Ambulance Service and Thames Valley Police attended the property and discovered the 72-year-old near the bottom of the staircase.
Her death was formally confirmed at 9.39pm on April 18.
Evidence heard during the inquest suggested she may have been heading upstairs when she fell, although the precise circumstances could not be determined.
Consultant pathologist Dr Sukhvinder Ghataura, who gave evidence remotely, said Ms Van-Der-Zyden had suffered a fracture-dislocation at the top of her spine, close to the brain stem.
He also found evidence of significant heart disease, including an enlarged heart and narrowed coronary arteries.
Dr Ghataura said it was not possible to determine whether a cardiac event had caused the fall or whether the fall occurred first and led to fatal complications.
It was concluded that both factors likely contributed to her death.
Recording her conclusion, the coroner accepted the medical evidence and found that Ms Van-Der-Zyden died from traumatic spine fracture dislocation with heart disease.
She said it was unclear exactly how the fall occurred and that she could not determine whether a cardiac event had preceded it, but was satisfied that Ms Van-Der-Zyden had suffered a fall at home.
The inquest, which lasted roughly an hour, ended with the coroner offering her condolences to the family and reminding them to "remember the fond memories" they shared with Ms Van-Der-Zyden.
