'She died of a broken heart': Calderdale says goodbye to community pillars

A procession took place this month for ‘gentle giant’ Stefon Eidson, 74, and his wife Nancy, 71, who sadly died four days between each other.

Mr Eidson died on April 19 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease, with his wife dying four days later from what friends describe as ‘a broken heart’.

April Charlesworth, who was a close friend of the couple for 39 years, said: “Gentle giant Stefon was the Managing Director of Thor Homecare Ltd, in Sowerby Bridge, which he started in 1978.

"His illness of Alzheimer’s made him seek retirement but still managed to help his son Gary, joint Director and his second son Mark as Operations Manager at the business.

“He played football for years for various teams including Hebden Bridge, Sowerby United, Hebden Royd Red Star, Greetland FC, and Frank Fords.

"When he was nearing his retirement from football he played for Willowfield in the Vets League well into his 50s as well as playing five-a-side into his 60s with his son Gary; an extremely fit and strong man.

“Even though he did not die from Covid-19, his family had been informed they couldn’t see him at the care home he was in due to coronavirus.

“His devoted wife Nancy had been visiting daily, but was no longer allowed under current regulations of self isolation.

“He didn’t have any company apart from his son Gary, who nursed him for the last few days of his life and we think he just gave up.

“His wife, Nancy died four days later of a broken heart; again the Covid-19 indirectly took two lives.”

Mrs Eidson worked for the NHS for over 44 years in different sectors, starting her training at the aged of 16 at Halifax General Infirmary, eventually retired at the age of 61.

"During her 44 years she worked as a Staff Nurse on the Maternity Ward, working nights," said Ms Charlesworth.

"She then worked has a Health Visitor and worked in the community as a school nurse for many years.

"She ran a Family Planning Unit alongside her time as a school nurse and finally retired at the age of 61.

“She was a very outstanding person, kind, considerate and extremely generous, who loved to socialise and had a great sense of humour.

“They celebrated their 50 years of marriage last year, and will be sadly missed.

“I can’t help feeling they both had quite a few years left if it hadn’t been for the pandemic.”

"They leave two wonderful sons and a wonderful daughter-in-law amongst many good friends and family.

"They were such a popular couple that on Friday 01 May hundreds of family, friends, neighbours, business colleagues, parents of school children with whom Nancy had helped throughout her years as a nurse.

"They were congregated on the streets from Hebden Bridge, where Stefon was born through Sowerby Bridge to Higher Brockwell.

"They lived together in the same house that Stef had built for 44 years.

"It was like a state funeral with everyone clapping on the streets as they passed and keeping social distance.

"They will be sadly missed and can’t help feeling that they both had quite a few years left if it hadn’t been for the pandemic.