The funeral of bowling stalwart Eileen Adams was packed out as hundreds of people paid tribute at Amersham Crematorium.
The former Jardines Tenpin Bowling Centre owner died on Monday June 24 after a short battle with cancer. She was 79.
Mrs Adams ran the popular bowling alley with her husband Stan for more than 40 years until it closed last year.
Her son, Neil Gallant, said of Wednesday’s funeral: “It was phenomenal. It was packed, there were people queuing out the door.
“There would have been upwards of 400 to 450 people there. The community came out in their numbers, it was fantastic.
“It’s a fitting tribute to what she achieved in the community. There were bowlers from all over the world.
“Some people flew in from America.”
Mr Gallant said some cars couldn’t even get into the crematorium and instead had to go to the wake at Rivets Sports and Social Club which had even more people turn up.
He added: “It was emotional. There were lots of stories.
“We were talking long into the night. People were coming up to me and saying how she had helped them.
“She gave her time freely and it was appreciated. It shows by the response and we were overwhelmed by it.”
Mr Gallant said he may explore setting up a fund in his mum’s name so they can provide a lasting tribute.
