Stephanie ( Tatty or Tats ) was my much loved sister. Sadly she died very young in 1988.
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Taken from Stephanie's Funeral Stephanie Elizabeth Eldridge
It is with a deep sense of shock, and disbelief at the sudden death of Stephanie, that we come to pay our last respects to her in the church which she loved.
Each one of you will have your own personal, private and very precious memories of dear Stephanie. There are treasured memories of a much loved companion of Bill, loving daughter and friend of Sylvia. There are precious memories of a dear sister of Edward, sister in law of Vanda, and aunt of Lara and April. There are memories of Stephanie’s fondness of Bill’s children Samantha and Patricia. There are memories of a dearly loved relation, much respected colleague, neighbour and friend.
Stephanie was born on the 30th August 1951, and attended St. Catherine’s School and the High School for Girls, Denmark Road. She was baptised here at St. Mary de Lode, sang in the choir, and was prepared for confirmation by Canon Denis Daven-Thomas. At the age of seventeen she was confirmed by the Bishop of Gloucester on the 31st October 1968, here in this church. She as a member of St. Catherine’s branch of the Girls’ Friendly Society, and was a friend of the many young people who grew up with her in St. Mary’s Square.
Stephanie was a talented student, and after leaving Denmark Road she joined the Diplomatic Service, serving in Moscow, New York, Cuba and Iran. She was one of those who re-opened the British Embassy in Teheran following the London siege. On transferring to the Home Civil Service she took up an appointment at G.C.H.Q., where she was a much respected senior officer and colleague. Stephanie was a most conscientious worker, who prided herself in the excellence of her work. She as a workaholic, a clever, talented person, who would have shone in any company, yet she had no side or edge to her personality. Stephanie has been described as a fun person, whose sense of humour made her a sunshine personality who brought light and friendship into the lives of all who knew her. Her gregarious nature, and consideration for other people made her friends the world over.
Stephanie met Bill on the 19th September 1981, and they have been in lover ever since. In the six years which they were together Stephanie was a tower of strength as Bill began to build and develop his taxi business. Stephanie was like a mother to Bill’s children, and she was greatly loved by Samantha and Patricia.
When she was a very young child Stephanie had great difficulty in pronouncing her name, and as a consequence she became know as ‘tats’ or ‘tatty’ to her family and friends. ‘Tats’ was more than a daughter to Sylvia, she was a friend who shared similar interests in reading, music and theatre.
Stephanie’s thyroid was problematic, requiring surgery last Christmas. Through all her illness she never complained, and gradually she seemed to be winning the battle towards good health, returning to work part-time and then full-time. The devastating suddenness of Stephanie’s death, has stunned and shocked all who loved and knew her. Her death will leave a void in the lives of her loved ones, and friends, and we extend to Bill, Sylvia and Edward our condolences.
In her thirty seven years of life, Stephanie lived a full, action packed life, fulfilling all her early promise, and we are all left wondering what might have been. What we do know is that her love of life, goodness and kindness touched, warmed and enriched the lives of all who know her. In giving thanks for Stephanie’s life, we are mindful that it is the quality, rather than the length of a life, which is important, and the quality of Stephanie’s life was such that all who knew her will cherish every precious remembrance of a rather special person. We commend Stephanie to God’s care, and keeping, looking in faith, and hope to that day of reunion in God’s presence, with those whom we love and yet see no longer.
Rest in peace, Stephanie Elizabeth Eldridge, and may light perpetual shine upon you. Amen.
Sidney J. Riggs, Vicar of St. Mary de Lode, Gloucester.
Friday 23rd December 1988.
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