A MOTHER of three and school cook who "loved to laugh" has died as a result of complications from heart surgery.
Melanie Norman, 49, of Queen Elizabeth Drive, died three weeks after the procedure at Royal Brompton Hospital on August 20.
Ms Norman was a cook at Quest Academy for the last couple of years and spent most of her life on the estate.
Her younger brother, Dene, 37, paid tribute to his sister, saying: "Mel was a great sister and a wonderful mum, daughter and grandmother. She was a laugh and she helped myself and others whenever she could."
Ms Norman, mother to Eric, 22, Andrew, 18, and Lee, 7, had a long history with Quest, in Farnborough Avenue, Selsdon, having been educated there when it was known as Monks Hill Comprehensive School.
Louise Stotesbury, the academy's pastoral manager, said: "Mel's sudden passing was a great shock to everyone here at the Quest Academy, where she was a valued member of the school community.
"She was a dedicated colleague to work with in her role in the school's catering department.
"Mel always carried out her work with pride and was deeply appreciated by staff and students. She will be greatly missed by all."
Ms Norman's brother said the family were shocked by the loss but would always remember her, adding: "My three nephews have lost their mum, which is tragic. We have a good family, we have always stuck together and Mel especially was a really good family person.
"She was a great cook and used to cook some really nice dinners. She was outgoing, loved to laugh but never held back with the truth. She would always say what she thought."
One of Ms Norman's big passions was for Betty Boop. Her mother, Maureen, 72, used to buy her models of the cartoon character. She was also a member of the TS Dreadnoughts sea cadets.
Her funeral will take place at Croydon Crematorium on Wednesday at 2.15pm and her family have said all are welcome.
Mr Norman added: "We'd like anyone who does to wear colourful clothes in honour of Mel because that was the type of person she was."
Ms Norman leaves behind her partner John, another sister Victoria, 40 and grandson Max, 4.
Her ashes will be scattered at Greenlawn Memorial Park, in Warlingham.
