Many waited in their cars outside City Hall from 6.30 a.m. until viewing began at 8 a.m. to ensure they did not miss a chance to say good-bye to Dame Lois Browne Evans.

At City Hall, yesterday from 8 a.m. until 11 a.m. the body of Dame Lois was “lying in repose” after a viewing the previous evening at Alaska Hall between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Some who spoke with The Royal Gazette said they tried to get into the viewing in Alaska Hall, but the line was so long, they had to wait until yesterday.

Doris Furbert, of Smith’s, said: “She looked absolutely beautiful, like she was sleeping. I came because this is part of history.”

Those who visited Dame Lois one last time had their various reasons for paying their respects but overwhelmingly the response was because of her fight for justice.

Gloria Dill, also of Smiths said: “I look at this as a major event in history for Bermuda. She was coming from the past and going forward.

“She did so much for women in particular. As far as women’s rights she was an inspiration for female lawyers today. Having worked in a law firm I know how many women are now lawyers.

“If she hadn’t fought so hard that probably wouldn’t have happened.”

Others paying their final respects said she was more than just a leader but was a “freedom fighter.” “The reason I came to the viewing was because Dame Lois Browne Evans was one of the first and last freedom fighters. She was not necessarily a leader because leaders come and go, but freedom fighters never do,” added Donal Smith.

It was her work as a fighter for equality and freedom, which also brought Bernadette Tucker out with her two young sons Iziah and Yari, so they would understand history.

Ms Tucker said: “I had to bring my sons because they are four and three years old and this is a part of history. I wanted them to look back and know their parents brought them to see history.

“My children have the luxury of living the life they do today because of the struggles she went through before.”