Wendy Law, one of the Guardian's most prolific crossword setters, has died at the age of 78. She was known for her witty, erudite and often challenging puzzles, which delighted solvers for decades.
A life in crosswords
Law began setting crosswords for the Guardian in the 1980s, contributing over 1,000 puzzles under her own name and the pseudonym 'Wendy'. Her puzzles were celebrated for their clever wordplay, literary references and a distinctive sense of humour.
According to her obituary in the Guardian, Law was born in 1948 and developed a passion for crosswords at an early age. She worked as a teacher before turning her hand to puzzle-setting, a career that spanned more than 30 years.
Legacy and impact
Her puzzles were a staple of the Guardian's cryptic crossword, earning a loyal following among solvers. Fellow setter John Grimshaw said: 'Wendy had a unique ability to craft clues that were both fair and fiendish. She will be greatly missed.'
Law's contributions extended beyond the Guardian; she also set puzzles for other publications and mentored aspiring setters. Her work is remembered for its precision and creativity.
She is survived by her husband and two children. A collection of her favourite puzzles is planned for publication later this year.
