Winifred Feaver

Her work in coaching generations of children was recognised by the Yorkshire Lawn Tennis Association when it made her a vice-president, and such was her contribution to the sport that in 1999 she was awarded an MBE.

Winifred, more generally known as Win, has died aged 83. Born in Asansol, North West of Calcutta in British India, Winifred was the daughter of Tom Hobson, an iron foundry manager, and his wife Winifred.

The family stayed in India until 1932 when they returned to their family roots in Middlesbrough. As a young adult during the War, she worked as a tracer in a factory producing bombs in Nottingham.

Back in Saltburn, Win socialised with a group of friends whom she kept in contact with for the rest of her life.

The Saturday night dances were one of the highlights of her week and it was at this time she started to play tennis seriously at Saltburn Tennis Club. Alan Feaver was part of this group. They fell in love and married in Saltburn parish church in 1951. Win was 24, Alan 25 and they were together for 54 years.

Their first child Louise was born in 1953 and shortly afterwards the family moved from Kirkleatham to live in India. Claire their second daughter was born in 1959 in Calcutta, the first of many postings that took the Feavers to Madras, Karachi, Khartoum and the States. They never forgot Middlesbrough, Saltburn and Redcar and came back every leave to Danby and Whitby. In 1968 they built the Rill, which became a much-loved family base in North Yorkshire.

As well as tennis, Win was an enthusiastic golf player and was ladies' captain in Calcutta and Madras.

While living abroad, she put her energies into supporting the British Women's Association, a charity working for the poor in Madras.

Her commitment and leadership qualities were rewarded when she was made president of the BWA in 1965.

On her return to Danby after 21 years abroad, she had a spell working – much enjoyed – at Boulby mine and for Surveying Services.

Perceptive and compassionate, Win would go out of her way to do the thoughtful thing that made someone else more comfortable. And she was a spirited and efficient organiser. While single minded, she earned devotion and esteem for her charm, wit, generous spirit and unfailing good humour.

She is survived by her daughters Louis and Claire and five

grandchildren.