Friends and colleagues have paid tribute to Gwen Watterson after her death was announced this past week.

Mrs Watterson, who has been described as ’an amazing, hardworking lady’, founded the family business, Copyshop, with husband Roger more than 40 years ago.

A statement said: ’We are utterly heartbroken and deeply saddened to announce that late last night, after a short but incredibly brave battle with ovarian cancer Gwen passed away.

’Her passion and dedication to all of the Copyshop table tennis teams throughout the last 15 years along with her commitment and contributions to the Manx Youth Games will truly be missed.’

Heartfelt tributes to Mrs Watterson were added to the Copyshop’s Facebook page from the business’s customers who she and Mr Watterson assisted through this years.

Leader of Douglas Council David Christian said: ’I am so saddened to hear this. I have known Gwen and Roger over 30 years and had the utmost respect for them both. My thoughts are with all the family and the team at the Copyshop.’

Douglas Central MHK Chris Thomas added: ’Deepest condolences.

’Thoughts and love to the family. Gwen and each of you were inspirational for all your table tennis prodigies.’

And David Cretney said: ’Really sorry to read this. Gwen as well as being a nice person was very helpful to me over the years in the preparation of election material. Sending sincere thoughts.’

Others spoke of the support and advice Mr and Mrs Watterson offered to them with publishing leaflets and journals such as the Manx Electric Railway Society.

Mr Watterson died in November last year, having been a politician, businessman and the voice of Manx Radio’s election coverage, the Sunday Mannin Line and Sunday Opinion.

Funeral arrangements are being made and an announcement on these will be confirmed shortly.