The family of a well-known calligrapher and teacher have paid tribute after she died aged 87.

Nancy Winters, who died on December 31, had lived in Chingford for almost 70 years and taught at many schools in the area.

Born in Filey, Yorkshire in 1930, Nancy showed much academic promise as a young woman and moved to London to study teacher training at Goldsmiths College.

It was there she met her husband, Leslie, and after getting married in 1950, they moved to his hometown Chingford.

Alongside bringing up sons Ross, Gareth and Simon, she also pursued careers as a teacher and calligrapher, becoming well-respected throughout England for her work.

In her early years she worked as a supply teacher at Chingford Church of England Junior School, then as art teacher at St Paul's School for Girls in Woodford and the Dominican Convent School in Forest View, Chingford.

While teaching, she continued to develop her love for calligraphy and began to lead adult education classes in the subject at Friday Hill House and at Chingford County High School.

Nancy became a leading member of the Society for Italic Handwriting, for whom she wrote the book “A Simple Guide to Italic Handwriting”, which is still available.

She was also chairman and a fellow of the Society of Scribes and Illuminators and a member of The Art Workers Guild.

She undertook calligraphy commissions for many clients including The Daily Telegraph, Christ Church Spitalfields, Penguin Books, The Saudi Royal Family, and the The Fellowship of Engineering.

As funding was being withdrawn for the adult education classes to which she dedicated much of her time, Nancy then founded and promoted The Chingford Calligraphy Circle.

She is survived by her three sons and sister, Margaret.

Paying tribute, son Gareth, said: “Nancy will be fondly remembered by family and friends alike as a kind and gracious woman.

“At home, she was a caring, gentle and patient wife and mother, and a welcoming hostess.

“In her teaching she was always calm and endlessly encouraging and her skill as a calligrapher speaks for itself.

“We will all miss her quiet, constant and above all loving loyalty and support.”

Nancy's funeral service will take place on Wednesday, January 24 at SS Peter and Paul Church, The Green Walk, Chingford, at 12.30pm. Any former pupils, colleagues and friends wanting to pay respects are welcome.

Her family have requested no flowers, but instead asked for donations to The Artist's General Benevolent Institute via DW Johns Funeral Directors in Station Road, Chingford.