Eulogy Example / Tribute

For your information and to help put things into perspective for this eulogy example:
This was a non- religious cremation ceremony for a 65 year old lady, all persons and name places have been changed, the script was not read absolutely verbatim, but allowed for poetic licence.
We had previously carried out a similar service for the son-in-law of the deceased "Barry" a year earlier, so we knew the family and had met the deceased.

You may also be interested in this Example Ceremony - Semi-Religious Cremation Service

Eulogy Example - Tribute to Pam

I spent an evening with some of Pam's family last week, it was an evening in which they shared some of their precious memories of Pam with me, sometimes through laughter; and occasionally through tears, but mostly through their obvious love and affection for her.
At the end of the evening I was left with a very clear impression of the kind of person that Pam was, and whilst I was writing her tribute; based on everthing I had learned that night, I was reminded once again how privileged I was to know such nice people, and what a great honour for me to be asked to stand here before you today; to lead the leave-taking of such a kind, warm, well liked and much loved lady.

So I invite you now to listen as Pam's family, through me, pays tribute to her life and honours her memory.

Pam was a quiet unassuming private person, so out of respect for that privacy; I'm not going to dwell on the history or background of her life, I would like, rather; to talk about her more recent past; and the kind of person she was, because that's something you will all be more familiar with.

I will tell you; that Pam was born in Durham; on the date of birth the younger of two children, the other being her sister Lottie.

Her father worked for British Rail; and the family moved to Yorkshire when he was appointed Station Master; at the now decommissioned Oakley train station; which was just outside Grangeton, they lived in the railway cottage that came with the job, and I would imagine that Pam had a very tranquil; and quite idyllic childhood, disturbed only occasionally by the odd train rumbling by.

Perhaps this is the roots of her love for the countryside, Pam adored our English countryside, and she could appreciate the natural beauty of the desolate North York Moors or bustling Northeast coastline just as much as the snow capped peaks of the Pennines or shimmering stillness of the lakes.

Holidays were mainly spent in England, Pam rarely went abroad, especially if it meant flying, Pam hated flying, though she was persuaded on to an aeroplane once; when she went to visit Pauline in Italy, I'm told she sat completely rigid all through the flight, not daring to move, obviously the driving motive of the journey, to see Pauline, was far stronger than her fear of flying.

Pam did have another holiday abroad, it was in Spain, but I should mention that the journey there and back was by bus; it was strictly terra firma all the way.
Family holidays in England were much more preferable, usually it would be staying in the caravan at Bracken with Rita & Bill; just relaxing and enjoying Bill's famous B.B.Q.s; it was only a short while ago that Pam was at the caravan with Lizzie, but she wasn't at all well, and sadly was forced to return home for hospital tests, but Lizzie was lucky enough to spend a nice happy week at Whitby with her mum earlier this year, I hope she will gain some comfort from that, as I know they both had a lovely time there together.

Pam lived a quiet simple life, to her family, her friends and her work she gave much, and asked for very little in return, just to enjoy the comfort of her home and garden, to be able to snuggle up in front of the telly; or just to simply read a book, provided of course it wasn't Mills & Boon or Barbara Cartland that is, to enjoy the company of her dogs Lassie and Harvey; whom she loved to bits, sadly when Lassie died Pam was most upset, I know both Pam and Harvey missed her terribly.

Pam's appreciation of the simple uncomplicated things in life; was reflected in her garden, she was a keen gardener; and derived immense pleasure from this small square of her own English countryside, which she tended with all due care and attention.

Although Pam enjoyed a quiet life, which revolved mainly around her family and her work, it didn't prevent her from living life to the full; she had always worked hard all her life, often with more than one job at a time.

Pam was much more than a mother to her children, she was someone you could really trust and rely on, someone you could talk honestly and openly to, knowing; you would be neither judged nor criticised, and you could count on her support whatever the problem.

With these sensitive; and caring qualities, Pam was the ideal person to be working as a volunteer; at West House Prison; where she was a much loved and respected lady.
Pam had worked there on a voluntary basis; regularly since it opened, usually 4 or 5 days a week, it was a job she really loved doing; and her time was very much appreciated, not only by the people she worked alongside; and other staff at the prison, but also by the inmates and their visitors.
Pam made many new friends as a volunteer, and I know she will be greatly missed by them all, particularly her boss Leo and her very good friend Benny.

Besides Pam's family, many of you here will remember Pam's 60th surprise birthday party in the Post House at Bentley.
As you know; Pam wasn't one to stand too much on ceremony, she thought she was going out for a quiet; fuss free meal, but what a fantastic night that was for her, and everyone else who was there.
For the first time in ages; all the family were altogether at one time under the same roof to celebrate her birthday with her, although; Lizzie recalled; that as much as mum liked family occasions; she did try to do an about turn exit when the door opened and she saw everyone there.
But what a wonderful happy memory for you all to treasure.

As with everyone else, the death of Barry last year left Pam totally devastated, as I mentioned at the time, Pam loved Barry as much as the rest of her family, as she did all her daughters husbands.
Six daughters, one son, Richard who was the light of her life; and his wife Mary; who was also dearly loved as part of her extended family.

We can't even begin to imagine; the grief and devastation that Lizzie is bravely facing at the moment.
It's at such times; when we are at our lowest ebb that we need the bosom of our family, we help and support each other, and in time, the veil of mist and numbness gradually disappears, we see a light at the end of the tunnel, we step out, and we look back, thankful that despite their own grief and sorrow, we had someone to lean on; when our own strength failed us.

I know Pam would be very proud; to see how her family are supporting each other; at this very difficult time.

Pam died suddenly and unexpectedly in the early hours of last Friday morning the date of death, I know she will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved her.

A light has gone out; without so much as a flicker, and all we have left; is the precious memory of how brightly it burned; and the warmth it gave us.

Eulogy Example - End