Heather Crowe, 61, became a public icon after winning a landmark 2002 labor compensation case by arguing that she contracted the disease from inhaling second hand smoke during her 40-year career as a waitress.

An ardent non-smoker, she appeared in national television advertisements and inspired a government sponsored award in her name. In one ad Crowe declared: "People shouldn't have to go to work to die."

Her death came only days before new legislation in the provinces of Ontario and Quebec is to come into effect, banning smoking in enclosed public areas and workspaces, and further restricting the promotion and sale of tobacco products.

Supporters of Crowe want her to remain the public face of anti-smoking. Ontario's Heart and Stroke Foundation CEO Rocco Rossi is campaigning to have May 31, the day the province's anti-smoking legislation is enacted, be declared Heather Crowe Day.

Total sales of cigarettes in Canada decreased over the past year by 2.5 percent, according to April government statistics.

($1=$1.12 Canadian)