Capey joined the print industry in 1988, working alongside her parents Jim and Janet for a decade in fifth generation family-run commercial printer Hemmings & Capey in Leicester.

It was here she met Label Apeel managing director Stuart Kellock, who joined Capey’s family business as an apprentice around the same time.

“I remember quite distinctly that first day working with Karen. I was a gangly, 17-year-old apprentice, and she was the epitome of 80s chic and the boss’s daughter,” said Kellock.

“She was funny, kind and more than happy to get her hands dirty. The company was largely engaged in producing football programmes, and the high intensity of copy on Wednesday and full-colour programmes out on Friday night was a great learning environment for us both.”

After Hemmings & Capey closed in 1998, she held various sales roles at several Leicestershire print firms before a chance meeting with Kellock in 2010 led to her joining Label Apeel – his family business.

While he believes she was initially nervous making the leap from commercial to label printing, he said her “fantastic work ethic, magnetic personality and her fierce advocacy for her customers” meant she was able to transfer seamlessly into her new role.

She enjoyed success focusing on the beers, wines, and spirits sectors and was well known across her markets from industry events. More recently she helped the business grow its presence in the distilling industries.

Kellock said Capey was well-liked and respected by her customers for being tenacious and extremely knowledgeable.

“Over the 13 years, she worked with us, she has had a profound impact on many of her colleagues. She provided a great role model for new people joining the business and was the life and soul of many company events.

“Karen’s passing will leave a hole in our hearts. She was the kindest, friendliest, funniest, and most honest person in printing. The world will be a dimmer place without her to light it up.”

A Service of Celebration for Capey will take place on Tuesday 7 February at Great Glen Crematorium, Leicester.

Industry friends and former colleagues are welcome to attend and have been asked to arrive at 12.15pm, with the service scheduled for 12.30pm.

The family have requested no flowers, but donations in her memory can be made to www.bowelbabe.org. Those wanting to attend the service are invited to wear a “flash of elegant colour green or yellow”.

Anyone wishing to send their condolences or share memories can email stuart@labelapeel.co.uk