Evelyn Doreen Howell

Another beautiful lady has gone to join more loved ones above. The words in the Eulogy are things I will remember of Auntie Eve and so much more. Eve was more like a sister to my mam Kath and the third 'sister' Auntie Eileen. As a newly married bride Eve & Bill allowed mam & dad to share their home, as new parents to welcome Alan & Jim. They went on to support each other throughout their lives and mam really appreciated the times they spent together. Eve allowed me to have stay overs and always showed an interest in everything I and my own family have done. Eve will be greatly missed but what a wonderful life she has had and I feel blessed to have been part of it. Rest in peace and hope you are nattering over a cuppa today Lots of love Gill xxx

My lovely mum I will miss you so much. You were such a kind and loving person who was always there when we needed you. The nicest person anyone could ever meet. I will particularly miss our Friday trips to hairdressers after which we would sit outside with a cup of tea and a rich tea biscuit. You will always be in my thoughts

Here are the words of the Eulogy that will be read tomorrow. Once these difficult times are over, the family will hold a memorial service and gathering for Evelyn, where we can all share our stories to celebrate her life. The family have asked me to read these few words. Our mam, our nanny, our aunty, our friend, our Eve, was the most loved and loving person you could ever wish to have in your life. She was a true Christian, she cared for young and old across the generations in her family. She was loyal and devoted, to her husband Bill, to her children and family, to neighbours, her friends and her Church at St Johns. She had a huge capacity for forgiveness, seeing the best in everyone. She didnt like confrontation, encouraging her family to live in harmony, to get on, to love, support and help each other I dont want any clashes she would say. Her generosity and kindness knew no bounds, but she was always fair, she had to spend exactly the same amount on all our Christmas and birthday presents, never a penny more on one than the other. She worried about us all, but it came from always wanting to protect us, she still held our hand to cross the road when we were in our 40s. She was a huge support to her community, supporting events at the church, but she liked to be in the background, supporting others, never taking the limelight, she was the one making the tea, cleaning up, visiting the sick or those living alone. Charity was important to her, she gave generously to charities, particularly to childrens charities. She loved children and could not bear to see any child suffering. She had many pleasures in life, baking lemon cake, making bakestones and ice squares; a cup of tea with a rich tea biscuit; shortbread; chocolate; fresh cream apple turnovers; Lizs Christmas cake. She loved garden birds, particularly the blue tits who nested in a box with a camera above the living room every year. During nesting season everyone would have to see the bird on the tv when they visited, and phone calls were dominated by stories of the number of eggs, the antics of the chicks and the nervous days before fledging. She loved Eastenders; The Repair Shop; quiz shows; dancing with her friends at the Church Hall every Friday night for over 40 years; home grown kidney beans, rhubarb and raspberries; reading; sweetpeas; having her hair done once a week in Sansoms; buying her meat at a proper butcher; getting her milk from a proper milkman. She loved skirts and dresses, never trousers, she owned every twin set M&S ever produced in blue, green or pink. She loved sport, particularly cricket and rugby. She loved going out for Sunday lunch as long as the vegetables werent too crunchy, she liked her vegetables well boiled. In her younger days she enjoyed day trips to the beach or the mountains with dad and the family, with big picnics on the fold out table and brewing tea up on a little gas stove at the back of the car. Mum and Dad enjoyed holidays around the UK, to Spain and to Bahrain to visit Alan and Margaret. She loved to sit in the sun with a choc ice. Above all, Eve loved her family, and we loved her. The messages from family and friends we have received show that she was loved by all her knew her. Bethan, her grand-daughter, will read from Corinthians shortly, these words could not be a better tribute to our mum. The way she lived her life, her values, the love that she showed, will forever be our guide.

I feel so blessed to have had such a wonderful mum. She was so loving, kind and caring, always thinking of others before herself. She thought the best of everyone. Her warmth drew people to her. Children loved her she could entertain them with nothing more than imagination and the contents of her handbag. Although we didnt have much money growing up, our childhood memories are full of love and laughter. Good night, God bless Mum x

A lovely and caring lady, a good friend to my Mum (Daisy). So glad we had the opportunity to meet up again at her 90th birthday party.

Rest in peace, Auntie Ev, A truly caring and loving person. Thank you for your warmth, care and friendship.