The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Dawn is remembered as ‘true legend’ of soap
Soap star’s family tell of heartbreak at “Vera’s” death
The family of Coronation Street actress Liz Dawn, who played Vera Duckworth for more than 30 years, said they are “devastated and heartbroken” following her death aged 77.
In a statement her family said: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the passing of our much-loved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, the incredible Liz Dawn.”
They said she died peacefully on Monday night at home “with her loving family around her”.
They added: “She has been the love, light and inspiration in our lives and we are bereft at her passing.”
Coronation Street said in a statement that “her family at Coronation Street are heartbroken”.
They added: “We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathy at this very sad time to Liz’s devoted husband Don, her loving children Graham, Dawn, Ann and Julie, their families and her six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.
“We have been blessed to have Liz in our lives, as she was such a kind, considerate and caring friend and colleague.
“As Coronation Street’s Vera Duckworth for 34 years, Liz brought so much joy and happiness to so many. She was a wonderful actress who will forever be a true Coronation Street legend.”
She first appeared in Coronation Street in 1974 before her character moved into number nine along with husband Jack, played by the late Bill Tarmey.
Speaking about her health on a celebrity version of the Jeremy Kyle Show in 2014, the actress revealed: “I take a lot of tablets. I just live every day and get on with it.”
In 2013 the actress spoke to the Daily Mirror after suffering a health scare.
She told the paper she was “lucky to be alive after having a heart attack”.
Dawn recalled how she began having chest pains while on holiday in Spain and had to be given emergency oxygen on the flight home.
Following a visit to the hospital on her return, she revealed she had been fitted with a pacemaker.