Popular Leeds trader dies just days after closing down her shop

Beverley Zimmerman, 60, ran the Memphis Belle 1950s style clothing store on Vicar Lane for 22 years, with husband Paul making the dresses.

She died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack.

Last month the couple announced they were closing the shop so she could spend more time with Paul, daughter Marisa, her parents and grandchildren Josh, 18 months, and three-week-old Mia Elizabeth.

Mr Zimmerman said: “She loved the shop but wanted to reorganise the business so she wasn’t tied seven days a week.

“We vacated the shop on Sunday, returned the keys to the landlord on Monday and spent the rest of the day celebrating our wedding anniversary and planning our new ventures.

“We had a wonderful romantic meal out that night. Beverley always made an effort to look her best but that night she looked particularly wonderful. I was so proud of her.

“At an appointment the next day she felt unwell and collapsed. Paramedics tried desperately to save her but just couldn’t.

“She was a powerful character and a genuine force of life. All the family are bereft.”