Elizabeth Paterson-Brown slides effortlessly into curling history

Elizabeth Paterson-Brown was one of the most distinguished and popular characters in the Scottish curling community.

She was born in Morningside and, along with brother Dick and sister Hymie, brought up by parents John and Joan Dunn.

After being educated at Grange Home School and St Dennis, and completing a secretarial course at Denson College, London, she assisted her father in the family woollen business, where she was credited with introducing the first typewriter to the office.

While enjoying the young Edinburgh social scene, she met Keith Paterson-Brown, now 80. They were married in St Giles' Cathedral in 1952.

The couple have two sons, Ian, 55, and Kenneth, 53, and four grandchildren, Euan, Lucinda, Christopher and Caroline.

Ken Paterson-Brown said: "My mother's life was full of love, kindness, fun, courage and laughter. She was a kind, caring and compassionate person. We always had a happy family life."

When Mrs Paterson-Brown joined Ford Ladies Curling Club in 1966, it was the beginning of a lifelong interest in and passion for the sport of curling. She served as president of her club and as the Murrayfield representative on the ladies branch of the Royal Caledonian Curling Club, of which she was elected president in 1987.

Mrs Paterson-Brown was then appointed as a Scottish representative to the World Curling Federation (then the ICF). In recognition of her charm and ability, she was elected the first female vice-president in 1990.

Her special remit on the executive of the WCF was to assist and encourage member nations to develop curling for juniors, whom she regarded as the lifeblood of the sport.

In all her dealings with junior curlers, she emphasised that the spirit of the game was fair play and respect for opponents.

In 1999 Elizabeth was honoured to receive the MBE for services to curling.

Mrs Paterson-Brown, or EPB as she was universally and affectionately known in curling circles, travelled the country and, indeed, the world, to support curling.

While many will remember her administrative contribution to the sport, Mrs Paterson-Brown was also an enthusiastic club member and participated in many competitions. She was delighted to be chosen as a skip and secretary of the 1981 Scottish ladies tour to the United States, which she described as a highlight of her life.

Her accomplishments were all the more remarkable as, over the years, she underwent major spinal surgery and twice spent many months recovering from cancer.

She also led a very full life outwith curling. She played golf with almost the same enthusiasm, being a member first at Murrayfield and then at Gullane Ladies Golf Club.

Her regular attendance at Mayfield and Salisbury Church was an important part of her life.

Mrs Paterson-Brown also regularly spent time visiting patients involved in the Veranda Club of the Royal Edinburgh Hospital.

During her final days, she was well cared for at the Marie Curie Hospice, and friends and family gave donations to the cancer centre in thanks.