SANTA CRUZ, St Elizabeth — A packed Bethlehem Moravian Church in Malvern, St Elizabeth remembered Gloria Theresa Bateman Calder as a warm, happy neighbour and loving, hard-working mother and wife.

Born October 10, 1932, Bateman Calder, affectionately known as Gova, Miss Gloris, and Aunt Gloris, died in hospital on December 10, 2014 after a brief illness.

She was the sixth of 10 children born to Stanley and Mable Hanson in Schoolfield, a quiet district close to Malvern. She attended the Schoolfield Primary School and later as a young woman migrated to England with her spouse Stanley Bateman Calder, leaving three children behind.

Gova returned to Jamaica in 1963 to raise her children while her husband spent a few more years in England before he too returned home.

Together they raised eight children: Shelia (Pam), Christine (Precious), Godfrey (Dixie), Sandra (Vel) Maureen, Kim, Jo (Dusty) and Celia (Judy).

Tributes at the thanksgiving service at Bethlehem on January 24 spoke of Gova’s generosity, charm, her infectious laughter and ability to lift spirits and light up a room with her good humour.

Mourners remembered her as an elegant dresser, a lover of flowers and a farmer who worked hard beside her husband whom she lovingly referred to as ‘Honey’. They recalled her devotion to her children and grandchildren and her willingness to help others in whatever way she could.

Eulogist, son Godfrey, spoke glowingly of his mother’s generosity. “She had an open gate, an open door and an open pot. There was always something there to eat whether it was corn pone, potato pone, grater cake, drops, fruits or stew peas. Our home could be called the village “rest stop” for the school children, the school teachers, the Sunday School children and the tired farmers coming from their fields,” he said.

Gova lost her husband in the late 1990s but despite the fears of family members and friends, she stayed strong and pressed on in her care of those closest to her.

The eulogist told the congregation that Gova was a true follower of Christ.

“She told me while she was in the hospital that she would love to see all of us as children come to know the Lord as Saviour so we can meet as a family in Heaven, never to depart,” he said.

Gova’s health went into rapid decline last November and she never recovered.

In addition to her children, she is survived by 17 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, two sisters Ivy and Murial, and a brother, Alvin.

Gova was laid to rest at the family plot in Schoolfield.