Friends from both sides of the Atlantic have united in paying tribute to a talented young artist who grew up in Fife.
Ellen Gourlay (24), who was brought up in Pittenweem but moved to the USA with her family 10 years ago, died suddenly last Tuesday.
A memorial service is to be held in Pittenweem Church on Saturday when her many friends and family in the East Neuk village will be joined by friends and family from her adopted home of Wilbraham, Massachusetts.
Hundreds of messages have been posted on a Facebook page dedicated to the quilter who unexpectedly took her own life.
Ellen, a former pupil at Waid Academy, Anstruther, won the junior prize at Pittenweem Arts Festival several times and taught quilting near her home in East Longmeadow.
Her mother, Karen Gatchell, said Ellen was a “loving and caring” daughter who adored children and animals.
Karen said: “I can’t tell you how many friends she had. She had a huge sense of humour. She was very special to a lot of people, but unfortunately she didn’t feel that way about herself.”
Among the messages posted online by devastated relatives and friends was one from Colin Kary, who wrote: “The world is now shy one of the funniest, richest personalities I have ever had the pleasure of encountering.
“Perhaps the only thing more substantial than her lucid yet comedic perspective on the world was her unfathomable regard for those who associated with her.”
Another friend, Rachel Kolbinskie, said: “You were the most beautiful woman. Kind, loving and someone that could always put a smile on everyone’s face just by being you.”
Rachel Taupier wrote: “She made the best of everything and thrived on the fun in life. She will be sorely missed.”
At Saturday’s service in Pittenweem, mourners have been asked to wear bright colours. Donations will go to Waid Academy art department.