Eva was born in Oakham in 1943 to Frank & Elizabeth Allen.   She was one of six children, with 3 sisters and 2 brothers.   The family lived in the village of Barrow until Eva was 12, when they moved to a farm in Ashwell, which was to remain Eva’s home for the rest of her life. 

Five years later, Eva met the love of her life, Charlie.   Charlie recalls how he was driving along the Cottesmore road in Ashwell when he spotted Eva, walking with a friend in the rain.  He chivalrously offered the ladies a lift, hitting it off with Eva immediately; and the rest as they say is history.

Much of Eva’s life revolved around the family farm.  Even after Eva had her own family, she stayed close to home, moving into the bungalow at the top of the farm.  Her children fondly remember Eva and her sister Grace regularly returning to the farmhouse to cook meals for their father and brother Roy after their mother’s passing; Bev also recalls how her and her cousins were willingly used as ‘sheepdogs’ to assist in moving the sheep from field to field, and to going ‘wooding’ with Eva and Charlie, chopping and collecting firewood from fallen trees.  Nothing ever went to waste.

All of Eva’s family have admitted that she was a lady of many talents.   As Charlie says, she could lay her hand to anything, inside and out.  Many a day he would return from a shift at Pedigree Petfoods to find some new construction going on in the house or garden.  In fact, one day, he caught her red-handed.   Eva had wanted to replace the old step to the back door, which was worn down.  She suggested building a frame and filling it with concrete, however Charlie thought there was no need and told her not to bother;  Eva was not put off.  As soon as Charlie had left for work, she got to work, mixing concrete.  Her sister Grace, who was with her at the time, recalls how she left Eva shortly after to catch the bus home and saw Charlie returning in the car, having been sent home from work for doing too many hours that week.  Charlie must have caught her in the act, but no doubt would have found it difficult to remain cross for long, knowing she would make a good job of it. 

Building steps, patios and all sorts of other projects was not Eva’s only talent. Although the children may not have appreciated it at the time, particularly her son Stephen, she was also a talented seamstress and knitter, making many of their childhood outfits and even turning her hand to bridesmaid dresses for her sister Rita and later, for her daughter Karen.  

She was also exceptionally green-fingered, taking great pride in her home and garden, which she filled with beautiful borders full of flowers and rock gardens, which of course, she built herself.  Although she was unable to continue gardening in the last few years, Charlie & Eva’s garden continues to be very much admired in the village.

When talking to the extended family, the one thing that they all recall about Eva is her welcoming nature and her hospitality.  Food is a large part of their memories of Eva, from pickled onions and egg sandwiches to the huge selection of cakes that was always available, no matter when you called round.  Eva is fondly remembered as being key to family get-togethers; inviting and organising all the family to her home and catering in vast quantities, for birthday celebrations and Christmas.

After all the children had left home, Eva, Grace and her sister-in-law Joy continued to enjoy food together by setting up a ‘Pudding Club’ every Thursday, with Eva supplying lunch and one of the others bringing the pudding.  Charlie, having retired at this point, was grateful to be allowed to be an honorary member 😊

Although Eva was a private person, she made a lot of friends with her kindness and welcoming nature.   Her family have received many thoughtful sympathy cards from friends in the village, who have expressed their sorrow at her loss, remembering her beautiful smile and recounting many tales of kindness.

She also enjoyed spending time with her family, taking regular trips out on the bus with Grace, and after Charlie’s retirement, taking the grandchildren for days out in the campervan.  Holidays were also spent camping with family; with their own children and later grandchildren, as well as with Charlie’s brothers and sisters and their children.

In fact, Eva loved the outdoors and was always active.  Friends in the village talk about how they would often see her on her bike, heading into or home from Oakham, having done the shopping.  As Eva’s health declined and she was no longer able to get out on her bike, she would walk more often.  In her last few years, she trod a well-worn path around the village, accompanied by her beloved daughter Jacky; a path which brought Eva great joy and which she was able to return to today to say goodbye to her friends.
Eva’s final years continued to be filled with love.   Having looked after Charlie all her life, Eva’s battle with Alzheimer’s left Charlie needing to look after her.  He did so admirably, with love, and with much help from Jacky; ensuring that Eva was able to spend her last days peacefully at home, surrounded by those she loved.   Despite her illness, Eva continued to welcome everyone with her beautiful smile.  She will be sorely missed.

Rest in peace Mum