Tributes to Potters Bar mum who died during op

THE family of a well-known woman from Potters Bar who died on the operating table have paid tribute to her.

Mum-of-three Win Clark, 76, who lived in Ashwood Road, died during surgery to repair a twisted hernia at Barnet General Hospital in November last year.

An inquest has returned a verdict of death as a result of complications from a necessary surgical procedure.

This week, her children spoke to the Potters Bar Edition about their mother.

"She was quite a character," said Elaine, 51, from Tempest Avenue. "I think most people will remember her for her laugh, some for her singing and some for her caring way."

Win was born in London on July 8, 1932, the youngest of six children.

Having joined a dance troop aged 14, performing was always an important part of Win's life.

"I will remember her impromptu tap dances in the kitchen when I would try and copy her but fail miserably," said Elaine.

She moved to Ashwood Road in March 1958 with then husband Norman and her two children, Glynis and Trevor. Elaine was born a month after the family moved to the area.

In 1965, Win joined the now-defunct Sunny Bank Primary School in Field View Road as a dinner lady, where her children also attended.

"This was great fun when there was something on the menu we liked," said Elaine. "It meant bigger helpings."

She returned to the school as a teaching assistant in 2001.

From 1973 to 1990, Win worked behind the bar at the Royal British Legion in Cotton Road, pulling pints and performing with a group called The Deltas at the weekends.

Eldest daughter Glynis, from WGC, said: "She was always there for us. She'll be missed not just by us, but by all of the friends she had as well."

Win is survived by her three children, five grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and her long-term partner Derek Poynter.