Loyal wife and stunning mayoress

TURNOUT: Mourners fill both levels of the Masterton Town Hall's auditorium.

Both downstairs and the upstairs balcony were packed with mourners, although the emphasis of the service was not on mourning but in celebrating the life of a woman known throughout Wairarapa and beyond for her vibrancy, zeal and devotion to those she loved.

People from all walks of life came from near and far, including many from local government and from rugby circles who had befriended Mrs Francis and her husband Bob.

Bob Francis is Masterton's longest serving mayor, having retired after 21 years in the job, and is a former international rugby referee, at one time being ranked the world's number one.

Welcoming people to the service, Rick Long spoke of Mrs Francis' courage in the last months of her life after being diagnosed with terminal cancer.

"More than anything she wanted to live until January so she and Bob could celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary but sadly that was not to be," Mr Long said.

He described Mrs Francis as being "a stunning mayoress" who had been a tremendous support to her husband during his long tenure as mayor.

Mr Francis spoke of his wife being the great love of his life.

He said she was "incredibly loyal, supportive, a wonderful homemaker and a beautiful dressmaker".

"Eva was a great cook but later in life developed a strong health focus and used to watch what I ate.

"She would hide the chocolates," he said.

Both Mr Francis and his son Tony spoke of her love of shopping.

On overseas rugby trips she would have a ball.

"She was a professional shopper and bringing home excessive luggage from overseas trips was a constant challenge," Mr Francis said.

Tony Francis said his mother was "always there for the family".

He said she had "a black belt in shopping" and was "very trendy, especially in the hair department".

His younger brother Stephen spoke of the rock-solid support his mother had shown her four children as they grew up, especially with their sporting endeavours.

He said that during her illness she had kept her sense of humour and shown great courage.

"I never heard her complain ... not once," he said.

Barry Saunders, best known as vocalist with the Warratahs, joined Luka Francis-Murray, a grandson of Mr and Mrs Francis, on guitar for a musical tribute and sang Let It Be.

The service ended with a commendation and blessing given by Rev Ted Dashfield and the coffin was carried from the hall to Marcie Blane's 1960s hit song Bobby's Girl before burial at Riverside Cemetery, Masterton.