Celebration of the life of Eva Stephens

Eva Stephens
29 December 1967 – 21 January 2026

With great sadness we announce that Eva Stephens died on Wednesday 21 January 2026.

Eva was a beloved friend, neighbour and tireless community champion in South Brent. She had a deep dislike of waste — not just of food or materials, but of overlooked potential. She saw possibilities where others saw rubbish. Her creativity was practical, imaginative and constant: turning scraps into something useful, transforming the ordinary into something beautiful, and sharing what she made with quiet generosity. Many will remember her handmade wax wraps, but they were just one example of her inventive, resourceful spirit.

As a trustee of Sustainable South Brent, Eva turned her values into action. She played a key role in introducing the Community Fridge, ensuring good food was shared rather than thrown away. She was instrumental in establishing the Hub, a collaborative project between Sustainable South Brent and South Brent & District Caring, creating a welcoming space at the heart of village life. She helped develop the partnership with FareShare that grew into the weekly Tuesday food project, widening access to affordable surplus food for local households.

Eva also initiated and helped establish several other projects and events, including the Repair Café, community films and discussions, Talking Rubbish sessions, and children’s craft workshops — always bringing people together and encouraging others to rethink waste and sustainability.

Beyond her community work, Eva made a lasting contribution to many children in the area as an excellent Maths teacher, both privately and during her many years as Vice Principal at Ivybridge College. She combined high standards with warmth and encouragement, helping young people grow in confidence as well as ability.

Eva gave her time, imagination and energy freely. Her legacy lives on in the projects she shaped, the students she inspired, and the many lives she touched.

Her funeral will take place on Friday 27 February. The burial at Sharpham Natural Burial Site will be for family and close friends, gathering at 10am for a 10.30am start. From 1.30pm to 3pm, friends from the wider village community are warmly invited to the Old School Community Centre, South Brent for tea and cake, to support the family, share memories to celebrate Eva’s life and be together as a community. Colourful and joyful dress welcomed.