A CORTEGE of vintage motors took a “courageous” woman to her final resting place.

Members of the Southend and District Classic Car Club turned out in style for the funeral of Edith Evensen yesterday, which featured a Twenties-style hearse accompanied by a fleet of immaculately-polished vehicles.

The group, which included classics of British engineering such as a Singer Vogue and a Morris Minor, proceeded from her home in Birch Close, Benfleet, to Pitsea Cremator-ium.

The cortege included a 1964 powder-blue Mercedes Fintail driven by her husband of 48 years, Tony Evensen.

It is the same vehicle in which the couple had attended numerous rallies and events together.

Mr Evensen said: “It’s full of very happy memories.

“I’m a real classic car fan, and she always came with me to all the functions and events, so it seemed fitting.

“She was a wonderful woman, and although she wasn’t as enthusiastic about the cars as I was, she loved the social side of things.

“It doesn’t matter if you have a three-wheeled Reliant Robin or a Rolls-Royce, the classic car community treats everyone the same, and I think that’s what she loved about it.”

Mrs Evensen died on July 24, aged 66, following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

Her husband said she would be sorely missed by everyone who knew her.

He added: “She was a colourful, wonderful woman and a really happy person.

“After a courageous battle, her suffering is now at an end.

“Our loss remains a gaping hole in our lives where she is sadly missed by family and many friends, whose kindness and support has been invaluable.”

She leaves three children Marion Watson, 47, Dianne Evensen, 40, and Simonne Evensen, 37, and three grandchildren.