A mother who quit her high-flying career to spend more time with her family in Scotland has died just days after giving birth to twins.

Former investment management firm director Wendy Anderson gave birth to a baby boy and girl, named Sandy and Mackenzie, on Monday, May 5 in Edinburgh.

However, only two days later, following complications in the birth, she died after suffering an aneurysm. The 38-year-old was also mother to three other children, Jock, Hamish and Una.

Yesterday, as a public notice celebrating the twins' birth was published, her devastated husband, Ken, and stunned relatives paid tribute to her "many wonderful qualities".

Mr Anderson, 41, director of award-winning animation company Red Kite Productions, said: "This has been a hugely distressing and difficult time for all the family and we are greatly saddened by Wendy's passing. I want all the children, as much as is possible, to live ordinary lives despite what has happened and, for that reason, would like to ask for our privacy to be respected at this time."

Neighbours near the family's home in the capital's Stockbridge were also in shock, but one friend, who wished to remain anonymous, recalled the excitement the mother-of-five had felt about the arrival of her twins.

The woman said: "I only saw Wendy the other week and she was looking well. When I spoke to her she told me was really looking forward to having the twins as her back was playing her up. She was excited.

"Most of the area was really shocked to hear of her death. We were all expecting to be handing in cards and flowers to celebrate the births, but not in this way. It really is tragic. She was such a lovely person."

A notice printed in a newspaper yesterday in celebration of the arrival of the couple's twins read: "On May 5, 2008, twins Alexander (Sandy) Malcolm and Mackenzie Myrtle, a brother and sister to Jock, Hamish and Una." Mrs Anderson is understood to have moved to Edinburgh in 2002 to join investment management firm Martin Currie after a five-year career as executive director with investment bank Lehman Brothers in London.

The successful young businesswoman is said to have been keen to find a better balance between work and life, including swapping a 40-minute commute in London for a 12-minute walk.

She reportedly explained at the time: "There's a real sense of work hard, play hard here. But in London the work hard takes over too much. It's just a lot more sensible up here. I work five days a week but take two afternoons off. People understand and are more respectful than in London.

"It's very competitive down there, it's dog eat dog. We came up here because we wanted a different work-life balance, which means it is easier for us to get into the country play tennis or do whatever." Three years later she left Martin Currie after deciding to focus all her energies on her growing family. Yesterday, her former colleagues at the Edinburgh firm spoke of her exuberance and drive.

Andy Sowerby, the company's managing director, said: "Her wholehearted commitment to driving her part in the company's success was only usurped by the passion, enjoyment and commitment with her family. Her infectious enthusiasm, loyalty and commitment were what you got from a great individual.

"We were devastated when we heard. Wendy was a senior director at Martin Currie and left to dedicate her time to her family. All our thoughts are with her family."

Mrs Anderson's funeral has been arranged for the end of this week with mourners asked to donate to the Simpson neonatal unit and Western General intensive care unit.