Obituary

Evelyn Twaites was well known in the area for the family business – Woodkirk Garage in Leeds Road – which she and husband Ted set up when they moved to the area from Leeds in 1947.

Evelyn stayed on as director with her late son Trevor after Ted’s death in 1979.

The business suffered a setback in 1987 when it burned to the ground, but mother and son rebuilt it.

Evelyn stayed on as director until the garage was sold four years ago.

Brought up and educated near Leeds, Evelyn was also one of the founders of hospital radio for the area.

Based at the bottom of Soothill, Evelyn helped set up the Heavy Woollen District Hospital Broadcasts Association in the 1950s – one of the country’s first.

She would take patients’ requests from the old Staincliffe Hospital and play them over the hospital airwaves.

Evelyn passed away peacefully at Soothill Manor, where she had been a resident for eight years, on Friday.

Angela said: “She was always a very caring person; very generous. She was always helping others before herself.”

Angela said her mother had loved to travel.

She had spent her years visiting America and travelling around Europe.

Angela said: “She just loved travelling. And she loved her clothes, especially her hats. She always knew what was in fashion and dressed impeccably.”

Thanking staff at Soothill Manor, Angela said: “They have been absolutely superb; they really are angels up there. A very kind and caring staff.”

As well as Angela, Evelyn leaves daughter-in-law Vicki and son-in-law Russell, grandchildren Sally, Ruth, Carol and Claire, and seven great-grandchildren.

Her funeral will be held at Dewsbury Crematorium on Monday at 2.30pm. Donations welcome to Yorkshire Cancer Research.