THE husband of a woman who died after a 30-ft fall from a hospital window says he firmly believes the circumstances of the tragedy will be uncovered.
Josephine Mowat, 61, had learned that her cancer operation had been a success shortly before she fell from the window at about 1am on November 17.
Despite repeated attempts to resuscitate her, she died later that day.
She lived in Hansells Mead, Roydon, where her daughter Karen Cranmer still lives, for 18 years and worked as head girl for the successful greyhound trainer Pam Heasman at Denver Lodge kennels in Nazeing.
Her husband of 43 years, Alfred Mowat, 63, said: “She went into hospital for a bowel cancer operation – an operation we were told was 99.9 per cent successful, so she was moved to a general ward, which is customary before being allowed to go home.
“Josephine was delighted with the outcome of the operation.
“Her family, friends and former colleagues, although still in shock and disbelief, are confident the investigating police officers will establish the facts that resulted in this tragedy.”
He said his wife was “beautiful in looks and personality” and touched everyone she met.
“She had worked with and met hundreds and hundreds of people and every one thought she was such a beautiful, lovely warm person,” he added.
“She could not have been a more loving, caring and supportive mother and grandmother.”
Mrs Cranmer said: “We would all like to mourn the passing of Josephine Mowat, a unique and very precious woman who was prematurely taken from the heart of a loving family.
“She was a wonderful wife, mother of three, sister, grandmother to seven beautiful grandchildren and friend to many and had so much love and compassion to give and receive.”
As well as her daughter and husband, Mrs Mowat leaves sons David and Richard.
Mr Mowat worked as head of art at St Mark’s West Essex Catholic School in Harlow for about 30 years before the couple retired to Cardenden, about 15 miles north of Edinburgh, four years ago.
Mrs Mowat’s surgery took place at the Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline, about 10 miles from her home.
Fife Police have launched an investigation into the death and Mr Mowat said he expected to wait about three weeks before hearing about any initial findings.
“We’re not concerned how long the investigation takes, only the establishment of the facts and the outcome of the investigation,” he added.
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