As Dame Lois Browne Evans brought people together in life, so she did at the end. Her funeral procession only proved what a unifying force she was, bringing together black and white, young and old, rich and poor. They all came to pay their final respects to an “icon” who has done so much for Bermuda. Thousands lined the route, which began at the PLP headquarters in Court Street and proceeded onto Reid Street. After a pause outside the Sessions House, where the House of Assembly and Supreme Court sit, it continued along Court Street to the Anglican Cathedral for the service.

The older generation who took their seats along the route were joined by parents bringing their children to witness the “historic day”.

Among those watching was Maxwell Rawlins, a Bermudian who has lived in France for the past 50 years and who is on holiday on the Island.

Mr. Rawlins, a friend of Dame Lois, remembers her when she first became involved with the Progressive Labour Party.

He said: “She was very warm and attentive to the people. She was a very strong person who struggled for civil rights and social equality for everybody.”

Malcolm Trott, from Devonshire North — Dame Lois’s constituency, said: “She was the first person I ever voted for. She’s a friend of the family and she was always down to earth.

“She was a great person and the procession today was worthy of her.”

An old school friend of Dame Lois, P. Williams, said: “I thought the procession was magnificent. She was a great lady. I went to school with her and we come from the same neighbourhood. I even knew her grandparents.

“She was a great lawyer and she really knew how to handle her affairs. And today I think Bermuda has really showed its respects.”

As each person shared their memory about Dame Lois it was clear, that although she had been a politician and successful lawyer, she had not lost the ability to connect with people.

Persis Butler, who taught Dame Lois’s children, said: “I admire her. She was a great inspiration to me. I grew up in an age of segregation and discrimination. I admire her for taking a stand when it was unpopular.

“She took a lot of abuse from both sides, but she paved the way for so many people. There has really been an outpouring of love and respect.

“I admire her as well because with all of this she was very down to earth. I came because I wanted to and there are a lot of people here. I think a lot of people were surprised at how many people showed up.”

The day was not only for those who knew her, but also for the next generation.

Donald Burgess of St. John’s Road, Pembroke said: “I think today was excellent. I can remember the Tacklyn case and how she got rid of capital punishment. She’s a woman Bermuda should never forget.

“And I’m glad the children are out here because they wouldn’t know about this woman. I hope their parents buy her book because she was part of history.”

Danica Burrows, 33 who has a young daughter, echoed Mr. Burgess’s concerns about teaching the youth the legacy of Dame Lois.

She said: “I have a daughter who is four-years-old and I brought her today because it is a good learning experience. I’m from a younger generation and there are a real lack of role models.

“It is sad that this lady passed who was such an inspiration. I grew up with her impact on society and people always talked positively about her.

“Our generation needs more leaders. We have leaders in the church and the community but we need more of that. We need more mentor-ship.”

Commenting on the Cathedral service, the Mayor of Hamilton, Sutherland Madeiros, said: “I thought it was filled with emotion and respect. I think everybody just wanted to have their say and it shows a lot for the woman.”

Rosalyn Raynor, of Smiths, who was a friend of Dame Lois, said: “It was very impressive. The atmosphere was just wonderful and there was a feeling of togetherness. It felt like a close family.”

Watching the procession journey along Par-la-Ville Road to St John The Evangelist Anglican Church was Lorraine Lowe, 62, a childhood friend of Dame Lois, having grown up with her in the same street at the Old Homestead, Pembroke.

She said: “Dame Lois was a beautiful woman. I really enjoyed the service and today reminds me of the old times, the good times, when we were all neighbours. There is such a feeling of togetherness.”

Shawnette Perott, 37, brought three young children with her to watch Dame Lois’s final journey to her graveside.

Ms Perott, of Devonshire, was accompanied by her daughter Milaun, aged eight; three-year-old son Milai; and nephew Taurico, aged eight.

She said: “It’s important to show my children about the history and legacy Dame Lois has left behind, what she’s done for Bermuda and its people.”

Speaking after the internment of Dame Lois at St John The Evangelist, a former policewoman who wished to remain anonymous said: “She was a gracious lady. I used to go with her to court. She said what she had to say and a lot of them didn’t get along with her but she always had respect.

“I wanted to see her here where she rests in peace.”