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Family devastated by sudden death of "bubbly and attractive" daughter
A family has been left devastated by the sudden death of a popular 28-year-old woman.
Claire Wingate died on Saturday morning at Kettering General Hospital after being admitted when she felt unwell.
Her parents Andrew and Valerie, of Torrington Way, Wellingborough, say they are "absolute devastated" after their daughter's shocking, sudden death.
Mrs Wingate said; "She was very, very sociable she had so many friends.
"She was bubbly and very attractive, and never had a bad word to say about anyone.
"She was loved by all and we are very thankful for that.
"We are quite amazed by the amount of people that have been in contact, and posted things on her (Facebook) wall. It's quite amazing how many friends she had."
Claire attended St Barnabas School, Freemans Junior School and Weavers School in Wellingborough.
She went to Nene College in Northampton, and studied textile design at Leeds University, graduating with a 2:1 degree.
Mr Wingate said he recalls treasured memories of playing games of chess with his daughter, and their chats in the car when he would drive her back to the place that she had recently called home, in Leicester.
He said: "She was a great shopaholic, a great fashion-aholic, very creative, artistic, fun and a very clever girl.
"Words cannot say how much we are missing her, it's just impossible.
"In her short 28 years we don't think she wasted a single day.
"She was so special to all of us. A loss like this is impossible to bare.
"We are just trying to get through it."
Her sisters Laura, 37 and Emma, 30; Emma's partner Darren, and Laura's nine-year-old twins Amber and Max, are also coming to terms with Claire's death.
Speaking to the Evening Telegraph, Emma recounted the happy time she shared with her sister while on holiday in New York, and how her younger sister loved to organise holidays for their family.
The sisters, who were very close, holidayed together in Ibiza in 2006.
Claire also lived and worked in the Spanish resort for five months after their holiday.
On her return to the UK, Claire went to work for Northampton company, Ensafe, before beginning a career with High Street giant Next at its headquarters at Enderby, in Leicester.
She progressed quickly on the company's graduate scheme and was soon given the position of assistant merchandiser.
"She really loved her job at next," Mrs Wingate added.
Recounting fond memories of their daughter, Mrs Wingate recalled the old yellow Astra, affectionately called Buttercup, that Claire drove when she was at college, and the mess she would leave in her bedroom.
Flood of tributes have been left by friends on her Facebook page.
Among the messages, one friend write: "Claire, One of the most positive, energetic and cool people I have had the privilege of knowing. I hope your partying right now, looking down at us. Love you Claire. You're amazing. Xxx"
Another wrote: " Wingate, you were the life and soul of every party.. so happy, so caring, so fun.. I am grateful to have had you as a friend. Things wont be the same without you... will bring that Chinese and vino when we meet again... never forget... Love you Clairey ..Miss you like mad xxx."
And someeone else left this tribute: "A beautiful person in every single possible way. It's so wrong that you've been taken from us too early. Be at peace-my thoughts and prayers are with all of your familyxx."
Claire's death is now in the hands of the coroner, who will investigate the cause of her death.
A date for her funeral has not yet been set. Funeral arrangements are being made by Wellingborough-based undertakers, Chambers and Brighty.
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Weather for Kettering
Thursday 09 February 2012
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