By Gary Cooper

A WOMAN who died after a crash on the A94 Forfar-Coupar Angus road had been seriously injured in an accident at the same spot 33 years ago.

The twist emerged yesterday after police said Elizabeth Russell Whyte (80), of Bal-gownie, Eassie, near Glamis, lost her fight for life at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee.

It leaves her family with the heartache of losing another loved one, coming less than a year after Mrs Whyte was widowed.

She was driving alone in her Honda Jazz hatchback when it was in collision with a Ford Transit van at the Eassie Crossroads at around 1.25pm on Friday.

Paramedics fought to stabilise Mrs Whyte at the scene and she was taken by ambulance under police escort to Ninewells.

She mounted a brave battle in hospital, but died on Sunday night with her family at her bedside.

Mrs Whyte had spent many months in hospital more than three decades ago recovering from terrible injuries suffered in an accident at exactly the same junction.

Her daughter Alison said, “Her enthusiasm for life in general was remarkable, more so after recovering from serious leg injuries in an accident in 1974.”

Friday’s accident happened 23 years to the day Mrs Whyte and her late husband, Peter, had moved into their home at Balgownie, near the crash scene.

Her family yesterday spoke of a much-loved mother and grandmother who played an active role in the community.

She was born Elizabeth Ewart at Little Lour, Forfar, the third of a family of seven, who was educated at Kirkbuddo School and then later at Grove Academy, Dundee.

She moved with her family to Kilnhill, Kirriemuir, during the war and, in 1951, married Peter Whyte, of Hatton of Eassie, near Glamis.

Mr Whyte had been in the RAF during the war and returned home to farm at Hatton of Eassie and nearby Balgownie, which he continued until 1992.

The couple enjoyed 55 years together until Mr Whyte’s death in June last year.

Mrs Whyte was a mother to a son, Ken, and daughters Susan McLaren, Pamela Smith and Alison Orr—and a grandmother to 11.

Her family said Mrs Whyte’s life-long interests were homemaking, baking and gardening, adding, “Her oatcakes, shortbread and tomato relish were legendary.”

They described her as a stalwart of Eassie WRI and a dedicated member of Eassie and Nevay Church, who gave of her time and energy to local causes.

She baked and made preserves for fund-raising efforts stretching from Forfar to Newtyle, and was involved in the campaign to rebuild the community hall at Eassie.

She was also a keen member of Glamis Scrabble Club, attending its Tuesday sessions for some time.

Daughter Alison added, “She will be sorely missed by her many friends and family.”