A DARWEN vicar has paid tribute to the caring life and work of a parishioner and friend who was stabbed to death.

The Rev John Faraday was speaking yesterday afternoon at the funeral of Mrs Eileen Thomas at St James Church, Over Darwen.

The 52-year-old mother of five died on February 11 at her home in Redearth Street, Darwen.

Her estranged husband Ronald James Thomas, 56, of Redearth Road, Darwen, has been charged with murder and is in custody awaiting trial.

During his sermon Mr Faraday said: "I knew Eileen and her husband Ron well and regarded them both as friends.

"There are many things that we can be thankful of when we remember her. She was a person who always considered other people and she wanted to put this care into practice. "As we look back over Eileen's life we can see big contrasts between what she wanted to be, and could be, and what she became at other times when life seemed to be too difficult for her."

Mrs Thomas, a former member of the Communist Party and Labour Party supporter, was well known for pioneering the successful Darwen Churches Furniture Store for the needy.

"Through what she did the homes of many hard-up people were made more comfortable and that work still continues today," said the vicar.

"Eileen had interests, such as watching grand prix racing but generally she was not a spectator of life but a doer.

"The funeral is not the time to discuss the manner of Mrs Thomas' death but to support the family and give them joy in Eileen's memory."

Mrs Thomas will also be remembered for her work with a variety of charity shops in Blackburn and support of the Animal Rescue Society.

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