Page 63 - The Gazette Autumn 2024

The Gazette QARANC Association 63
OBITUARY
‘Her loyalty, interest and support never waned, neither did her popularity’
Colonel Bridget McEvilly CBE ARRC L/QARANC 14 December 1946 – 22 January 2024
Colonel Bridget Christina McEvilly was born in England, her parents having moved to London from southern Ireland in the 1930’s. Bridget completed her nurse training at the Central Middlesex Hospital in London and following the death of her mother, emigrated to Canada. She returned to England and was a night sister at the Oxford Radcliffe Infirmary, where she became friends with another likeminded colleague, Laura Bale.
Bridget was commissioned as a QARANC Nursing Officer in 1977 and completed her student officer training at the Royal Pavilion Aldershot. She enjoyed postings in the UK and overseas in hospitals, training establishments and the Ministry of Defence. Her talents, expertise and commitment were recognised early through the award of the Associate Royal Red Cross (ARRC) and later through her appointment as Matron-in-Chief and Director Army Nursing Services in 1999, a position she held until her retirement from regular service in 2002.
Her contribution to the Army Medical Services and specifically military nursing was acknowledged through her admission as a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE). As a demonstration of her passion, commitment and support to the Corps she subsequently held the honorary appointment of Colonel Commandant from 2008 to 2011.
Following her retirement Colonel Bridget settled in Devon with Pam and their beloved dogs. She continued to support Corps events as her professional and personal commitments allowed – her loyalty, interest and support for everyone never waned, neither did her popularity.
In recent years Colonel Bridget’s health deteriorated and she was cared for at Dunkirk Mews a Royal British Legion Home. Unsurprisingly she was a popular resident retaining her keen sense of humour and duty but sadly passed away on 22 January 2024 with her nearest and dearest close by. A private funeral held at the home was attended by family and close friends.
However, an overwhelming outpouring of love, respect, and desire to honour and pay tribute to such a popular leader, resulted in a Memorial Service being held on 29 May 2024 at St Andrews’s Garrison Church Aldershot. The Service was officiated by
Her talents, expertise and commitment were recognised early through the award of the Associate Royal Red Cross (ARRC)
the Reverend Richard Begg CF and the QARANC National Standard was paraded by Major (Retired) Edith Edgar. Lieutenant Colonel Alison Cripps QARANC performed a beautiful solo. Amongst the attendees, family and friends, many were from the military medical services, including the current and seven former Chief Nursing Officers/Directors of Nursing/Matrons-in Chief and the current and five former Colonels Commandant. Former colleagues from the NHS and Prison Service also paid their respects.
Colonel (Retired) Laura Bale spoke about her close friend, highlighting how Colonel Bridget had progressed the profession and the Corps with her undisputed inimitable style and spoke about the impact she made to so many lives. Many present, appeared to gain comfort from listening to a recording of Tina Turner’s ‘The Best’ – with a spontaneous and momentary vocal and physical accompaniment within the constraints of the pews and aisles! Reminiscing with tears and laughter continued following the service at the Army Golf Club. Attendees were able to add to and view an ‘In Memoriam Book’ that showed a collection of written tributes which further evidenced how Colonel Bridget’s compassion, understanding and sense of humour led to her ability to relate to, and be respected by, so many.
May Colonel Bridget now rest in peace knowing that military nursing and all those she influenced will forever value her wisdom, wit and wise counsel.
Col Sue Bush RRC