Senators united yesterday to honour former Attorney General, Dame Lois Browne Evans.

Government Senate Leader David Burch asked for a letter of condolence from the Senate to be sent to her husband John and children Tina, Nadine and Donald.

“She made her mark on this country and in my view this country had lost a mother,” he said. “I have personally known Dame Lois for 40 years; she was always bigger than life.

“I think it was appropriate that it rained yesterday, the heavens were crying because we have lost a giant of a woman.”

Opposition Senate Leader Kim Swan said: “I had the honour as a 15-year-old to listen to her speak when I was part of the Youth Parliament and she was leader of the Opposition. Through my time in the legislature I have also spoken to her. I always think of the words respect and conviction when I think of her.”

Government Senator Kim Wilson said: “She paved the way for women like myself. Without women like her I would not be sitting here today. I had the opportunity to have lunch with her a few months ago with two other women.

“We just listened to her, trying to grasp as much knowledge as we could, but there was so much to learn that the lunch turned into a long afternoon. I will always remember that lunch with her.”

Opposition Senator Bob Richards, whose father Sir Edward Richards spurred Dame Lois on to attend law school in the UK, said: “I have known her since I was a child when she was a good friend of my father’s. They had a long and special relationship. They had similar goals but took different directions.

“I consider myself lucky that I got to see her last public speech when she spoke for 30 minutes at the ceremony renaming the airport.”

Independent Senator Walwyn Hughes said: “We did not have that much contact when in Government together but when ever we did I always thought what a wonderful, friendly person she was. You could not help but like Dame Lois.”

She was described as “honest” and “forthright” by Attorney General Philip Perinchief , who said he had known her since he was involved in the PLP youth wing and always enjoyed their spirited debates.

He said: “Our last debate revolved around when Bermuda goes independent whether it should be a constitutional monarchy or a republic.” He also extended the condolences of Cayman Islands Attorney General Samuel Bulgin.

PLP Senator Wayne Caines spoke of working on plans for her 80th birthday party tomorrow. He said she wanted little pomp and circumstance but lots of dancing and good fun.

“We taped an interview of her speaking of her life to be shown at the party. It is amazing now to think that we have that.” Independent Senator Carol Anne Bassett said she met the Dame only a handful of times. “Despite all her accomplishments she remained a humble and kind person. Her life is a testament on how you can live your life.”

Government Senator Davida Morris spoke of her ability to marry her political and legal life with her family life. She said: “She is deserving of all the honours she is receiving and she is still an example to us. There was so much that she accomplished and she did it with style and grace.”

UBP Senator Gina Spence-Farmer said she knew Dame Lois through their church and sought her advice when considering entering politics. “She was very honest and said this was a very serious decision. She said there would be ups and downs and encouraged me to always do the right thing.”

Independent Senator Alf Oughton said: “It is remarkable to think what she accomplished when you realise she returned to a segregated Bermuda. Many others would have given up.”