Evelyn MaryHOWSONEvelyn Howson died peacefully at her home in Accrington on Friday, September 20. Eve and her twin sister Ann were born in Accrington on May 13 1936. Their parents, Harold James Chadwick and Evelyn Annie (née Kidd), both worked in the bank and were talented amateur musicians. Their older brother Trevor was a chorister at Lichfield Cathedral. Their mother died in 1946, when they were only 10 years of age. On leaving school, Ann went to the Northern School of Music and Eve remained in Accrington with their father. She joined the District Bank – now the NatWest Bank in St James’s Street. She met Dennis Howson when he joined the Accrington Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society where she was already a member. They were married in 1959. Their daughter Penny was born in 1961 and son Peter in 1965. Whilst her children were small, Eve worked as a school secretary at Spring Hill Nursery School. She later returned to the bank, first in Blackburn and then, when a position came up, she was delighted to return to the Accrington branch. She remained there until retirement. Subsequently, she took the opportunity to work in the Registry Office, where her organisational skills and meticulous penmanship were put into action in a new setting. Eve’s beautiful writing was also appreciated when writing certificates for the Blackburn Music Festival. A lifelong member of St James’s Church in the town centre, Eve sang in the choir, was on the PCC and took on numerous responsibilities over the years, including treasurer, secretary and churchwarden. Eve and Dennis, like Eve’s father before them, were active members of Accrington Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society (Accrington Amateurs), frequently taking part in shows, usually as chorus members. Eve was for many years the membership secretary. Dennis died of cancer in 2009. Eve remained in their home – the house where she had been born. In recent years, mobility and hearing became more difficult and Eve was grateful for the friends who visited, telephoned and wrote letters. Video-calls were something of a lifeline. The weekly Zoom call with her twin sister in Dorset was particularly precious. Ann died in May this year. Eve is deeply missed by all the family: Penny and Peter, Derek and Marina, grandchildren Emma and Connah, partners Mark and Sam, and their children Evie, James, Louis and Edward. Also Ann’s family, Tim and Katie, Jackie and Richard, granddaughters Abi, Olivia and Sophie and great-granddaughter Olive. Evelyn’s funeral service will be held on Friday, October 18 at 12pm at St James Church Accrington, followed by Committal at Accrington Crematorium. Family flowers only please. Donations are being gratefully received in Evelyn’s memory on behalf of St James Church Accrington and Cancer Research UK. To make a donation please visit champfunerals.com/ obituaries or send to Champ Funeral Services.
