This is taken from the tribute read, at the funeral, by Alice niece and daughter of Veronica.
Patricia will be remembered for her calm, understated presence. It was typical that when cancer was diagnosed Patricia chose to carry on as normal. In her last five years, she dealt with the burden of her illness with a deeply impressive dignity and stoicism.
She spent the early part of her childhood in Redhill, before moving to Cheltenham. She studied Maths and Statistics at Sheffield University and then settled in Cheltenham. Patricia worked at Eagle Star, and later at JLT in Bristol, where she was commended for her commitment and hard work.
Patricia was loyal to her family. Everyone was touched by her generosity and carefully thought gifts. Her memory of stories and childhood dates helped her research the family tree. She liked restoring furniture, reading novels, music from Beatles to Britpop, and classic British films.
Her Catholic faith was a constant, a regular at St Gregory’s since 1971. Yet she – and her faith – were private. Perhaps we never understood the depth of her faith be it in discussion groups or her handwritten book of prayers. Patricia had quietly – but deeply – held convictions. Caring about justice and poverty, generous to charities like CAFOD and Housing Justice and helping the homeless.
She led a quiet life, enjoying nature such as watching sunsets with Andrew in Scotland, visiting the Chelsea Flower Show with Peter and Teresa. She loved cycling, both locally or on longer rides to the Cotswold countryside. Sport was part of her life. A member of a football team and a Robins supporter, listening to ‘Test Match Special’ and meticulously recording the scores.
All of her family will always remember Patricia’s quiet kindnesses, her unswerving loyalty and her generosity of time and spirit.
May she rest in peace.
Teresa Evans
09/02/2021
