‘A woman of grit and grace’: Tributes paid to Eveline, 85, who played vital role on family farm
Tributes have been paid to Eveline Wakely, who played a vital role on her family’s farm Broadways, located on the Newton Longville and Drayton Parslow crossroads.
Eveline Wakely, formerly Eveline Snoxell, died aged 85 on Sunday February 8 at her home in Stoke Hammond, after a battle with Parkinson’s and dementia.
Born in Stewkley and raised in Drayton Parslow, Eveline worked on the family’s farm alongside her father Arthur, helping to care for her own saddleback pigs.
Her family reflected how "farm life gave her a hardy character and an unwavering desire to better herself and those around her."
Eveline was mum to two children Tanith and Roger, and during their childhoods gave them activities and experiences including Scouts and Guides, lifesaving and synchronised swimming and camping and caravanning holidays.
Her son Roger said: "She created a childhood rich in opportunity, teaching them the strength, skills, and confidence to face life’s ups and downs."
In the early 1970s the family moved to Luton, where Eveline worked for Tesco and later the Health and Safety Executive.
In 1986 she returned to Stoke Hammond to be closer to her parents Arthur and Hilda, and alongside her role at the Health and Safety Executive, maintained a flock of 120 sheep.
As well as her two children, Eveline also leaves behind her grandchildren Siobhan and Jay and great-grandchildren Megan and Alfie.
Her family concluded in tribute: "Eveline was strong, devoted, practical, and endlessly loving, and a woman of grit and grace.
"They don’t make them like that anymore."
Eveline is being cremated at a private ceremony later this month, with an interment due to follow at Crownhill Crematorium in Milton Keynes later in the year.