The funeral took place recently of Mrs. Winifred Eileen Irving, of Caldey View, Stepaside.

Born in 1932, Eileen was the eldest of four daughters of Archie and Winnie John. Brought up at Hopshill Moor, Morton, she was educated at Pentlepoir Primary and Greenhill Grammar School and worshipped at Morton Chapel. She spent many happy years helping on the family farm before working for the Electricity Board after leaving school.

In 1951, she married her beloved husband Tom and moved to Caldey View where they brought up their family of four daughters.

Eileen was a home loving person who liked nothing more than to be baking for her family or spending time in the garden. She grew large quantities of fruit and vegetables which, in early years, were fed to the many holidaymakers she took in every summer and also sold at the house gate and to local shops.

In 1958, she was one of the founder members of Summerhill WI where she was the treasurer for 24 years and continued to be an active member until very shortly before her death. She enjoyed the monthly meetings which gave her another outlet for her baking, including her boiled fruit cake, which many members enjoyed sampling. Her cakes were also made and decorated by her for the weddings of her daughters.

As her children grew up she took part-time work at a local caravan park and shop before finishing as housekeeper at Amroth Castle Holiday Park. She was also on hand to look after her many grandchildren as they started to arrive, making her home a happy, friendly place to be.

Sadly Eileen was predeceased by her husband Tom in 1990, followed by her eldest daughter Ann Watts and her sister June Thomas.

In recent years, as her mobility became limited, she was less able to spend time outside, but took great pleasure in feeding and watching the birds and wildlife that visited her garden.

Unfortunately Eileen’s health suffered a rapid deterioration and she was looked after with great care and dignity at Woodfield Nursing Home for the final few weeks of her life before passing away peacefully on July 2.

The funeral service took place at Stepaside Methodist Chapel, followed by interment at St. Elidyr’s Church, Amroth, on Friday, July 10. The service was a celebration of Eileen’s life, with many of her 13 great-grandchildren, whom she loved to have visit her, being present. Her granddaughter Vanessa read a poem and a family tribute was given by her eldest grandson, Lee, whilst the officiating minister, Rev. Lorette Hinson also gave a tribute and read a poem on behalf of her daughter Val.

The bearers were Austin, Lee and Paul Watts, Clive Brown and Alex Adam Buckland.

She is survived by: Val Buckland and Jim Milward (daughter and partner), Linda and Len Brown (daughter and son-in-law), Jayne Lewis (daughter), Austin Watts (son-in-law); Lee and Helen Watts, Paul and Anna Watts (grandson and wives), Lisa and Adam Griffiths (granddaughter and husband); Clive Brown, Alex Buckland (grandsons); Vanessa Brown and Dave Hay (granddaughter and partner); Loretta and Connor Toms-Irving (granddaughter and husband); Colette Buckland (granddaughter); Adam Buckland (grandson); Rebecca Lewis and Iestyn John (granddaughter and partner); Gwyneth Jenkins (sister); Pauline and Ernest Griffiths (sister and brother-in-law); Danny Thomas (brother-in-law); Lauren and Harri Watts, Jack, Lowri and Fleur Watts, Archie, Willow and Pixie Griffiths, Lilly Buckland, Kayleigh Brown, Darcy, Layla and Oscar Toms-Irving (great-grandchildren); along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

There were family flowers only, with donations in lieu for Paul Sartori Foundation and Wales Air Ambulance to Mrs. G. Jenkins, 9 Westfield Court, Saundersfoot.

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. W. and M. J. Rossiter and Sons Ltd, The Old Rectory, The Norton, Tenby.