Evelyn Thornhill

“No need for words, except to say: Loved and remembered every day.”

Peacefully at Leighton Hospital.  Knowing she was loved by her devoted family, Evelyn aged 94 years.  The beloved wife of the late Eric, dearest mum of Alan, Carole and Keith.  Dearest nana and great nana who will be remembered with affection by all her family and friends.

The beloved mum of Alan, Carole and Keith, loving wife to the late Eric and fondly
known as Ev. A remarkable lady, who is and always will be cherished by her family
who took it in turns to visit every day. At the grand age of ninety-four, she said she
wasn’t old enough to have carers and was still coping in the comfort of her own
home.
Evelyn was unbelievably independent with a colossal strength of character, quietly
assuming her role as the matriarch of the family even though Eric always thought he
was at the helm.
Married for sixty-seven years, they had very different personalities but complimented
each other’s strengths and weaknesses perfectly. Their lasting vows were based on
love, trust and traditional old school values. Totally devoted to each other, they were
the best of friends – generally together and rarely did you ever see one without the
other, together they built the solid foundations of family life. As the children were
growing up, Evelyn was the cog that kept everything turning, working tirelessly to
make sure they were all well cared for, including Eric and all whilst working part time.
A loving mum, Evelyn was always close to her daughters and son in law: Mary,
Patrick and Catherine and although Mary is really very humble about it, Evelyn
thought of her as a second daughter, someone she could rely on for anything and
talk to about everything.
She was a doting Nana to Sarah, Richard, Tom and Hannah and although far less
active than when they were younger, it didn’t stop her feeling incredibly blessed with
her two adorable great grandsons, Joshua and Oliver.
The eldest of three siblings, Evelyn is much loved by her two brothers Gordon and
Brian, sisters in law Susan and Janet and her nephews and nieces: David, Nicky,
Michael, Joanne and Tracy. Her mum Minnie was one of nine children and I’m sure
you can all remember visiting extended family over the years.
She will be much missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Minnie and Albert Beech welcomed Evelyn into the world on 23 rd February 1930 and
their family was complete after Gordon and Brian were born. She attended Bedford
Street School and over the years, she would reminisce about the war years
especially having to wear the awful gas masks. There were few luxuries for most
people before and after the war but family holidays staying with Auntie Ettie in
Colwyn Bay were always a highlight for the Beech family, even if it was in the
accommodation above the offices where Ettie worked.
The rules were that they had to be out before 8.30 in the morning and couldn’t return
until after 4.30 – clearly not an official guest house!
After leaving school, Evelyn loved working at British Rail General Offices as a clerk /
typist and enjoyed going out with her friends to the local dance halls and cinemas.
Eric was serving in the army and very near to the end of his national service when he
was home on leave from Germany and out on the town.

After Eric fell for the love of his life at a dance, they courted for two years and
married in 1951. Like many of their peers, around that time they lived in rooms
whilst saving up to buy their first home in Ernest Street, new house new baby, Alan
was born followed by Carole.
After Albert died in 1962, aged sixty-three it was decided that Minnie would stay with
Evelyn and the family so as they needed a bigger house, they moved to a bungalow
on Sydney Road where Keith made his entrance.
In 1970, they moved to what turned out to be their forever home, a new build on
Rosehill Road with many wonderful memories created and it is hard to think of
anyone else living there in the future but that feeling of finality is lightened when they
recall the amazing family parties and the Sunday afternoon competitive cricket match
at the side of the house.
The key moment at most of the parties was when everyone would erupt into
uncontrollable laughter for no apparent reason. Evelyn could never understand why
they were laughing but she did always say “laughing is good for you!”
There was endless laughter over the years, particularly during the regular family
outings in the Hillman Minx, the holidays to sunny Blackpool, and the annual trips to
Bowness on Windermere. Eric would fondly recall his childhood adventures on the
boats there. A far cry from the touch of luxury she and Eric enjoyed on their cruises.
She liked attending the guild, where she competed in bowls matches and
participated in line dancing. She and Eric cherished the time spent with their
grandchildren, and Evelyn later found great joy in Joshua and Oliver’s visits. Brian
also often visited. However, without her soulmate, she felt lonely.
Eric left a massive void in everyone's life, but Evelyn would talk to him every day,
often jokingly asking why he left her with such a big garden. The family was
committed to helping Evelyn cope without him. They bought her a new TV and
radio, often reminding her to “put the radio on, Mum!” to give her some background
noise when they went home. It didn’t work, as soon as they were gone, she would
invariably turn it off, remaining thrifty to the end.
Alan encouraged her to use a Nintendo to stimulate her brain and to engage in
physical activities, like pedalling on a mini exerciser. She was given two significant
targets: (1) to surpass her mother’s ninety-six years, and (2) to at least get a new
battery in her pacemaker. Although she didn’t quite reach ninety-six years, she was
due to get a battery replacement next month!
Evelyn lived a full and happy life, take the time to reminisce as you recall your
cherished moments with a smile.

Evelyn’s funeral will take place on Friday 21st June at 1pm at Crewe Crematorium Chapel.

For all enquiries please contact us on 01270 584447