WORCESTER Crematorium was packed for the funeral of former Droitwich Mayor and Wychavon District Council Chairman Eileen Hope.
Eileen, who spent 28 years on the town council and was mayor in 1982 and 1985, passed away on September 27 at the age of 78.
A whole host of people attended the ceremony from residents and local councillors, to former Wychavon District Council chairmen and Droitwich Mayors.
Eileen’s highlight during her time as council chairman was escorting Princess Margaret on a visit to Evesham in 1990.
Her daughter Deborah Strong said the Princess, who had a formidable reputation for not suffering fools gladly, thanked Eileen for being herself and not putting on airs and graces.
At Monday’s service, given by Rev Nigel Byard, there were also members of the original Droitwich Twinning Group and current members of the Twinning Association – Eileen founded the group and had also supported Droitwich Spa Boys Football Club and chaired Droitwich Ladies Circle.
Rev Byard said, even though he did not know her personally, he felt like he knew her from what people had told him about her.
He said: “A lot of those people talked about how she had made an impression on them and so many said she had made a real difference to their lives, not just as a civic figure, but as a very caring human being.”
The coffin entered to a piece from Les Miserables and, during the service, Rev Byard read out a tribute put together by her daughter Deborah, who also said a few words.
Eileen’s son Tom read a poem out to those gathered and there were two traditional hymns – The Lord is My Shepherd and Abide With Me.
The service ended with Louis Armstrong’s What a Wonderful World.
Coun Tom Noyes said her funeral was a great tribute to her from her town.
“There was a queue of people who just wanted to tell their stories about her and how they had come to know her.
“The service was extremely moving and by the end, everyone knew everything about her.”
Pam Craney, from the town council, said: “She really was the consummate politician – not just for the Conservative Party but for Droitwich and the people of Droitwich.”
Eileen is survived by her husband Graham – a former stalwart of the Droitwich Round Table and who supported her throughout her political career and endeavours – her daughter Deborah and her two grandchildren Tom, 18, and Emily, 12.
