Tributes have been paid to 106-year-old Elvie Clarke, who had a ’zest for life’ and a great love for the island.

A service of celebration took place at Douglas lawn cemetary on Tuesday, where friends and family shared their fondest memories of Elvie, who died on January 5 at Noble’s Hospital after a short illness.

Her niece Margaret Tomlinson said: ’Elvie’s life was not easy. She had to overcome great sadness and loss, but her zest for life, her amazing sense of humour, her love of the island and her church kept her in good spirits.’

Born in Lonan on September 18, 1911, Elvie was the first of six children to parents William and Isabella Cowin.

The family later moved to Onchan, then to Ronaldsway farm using a horse and cart, and eventually moved again to Ellerslie Farm.

’Everywhere she lived involved running up and down hills and across vast open spaces to get to school.

’Elvie liked school and loved to read, which she continued to enjoy throughout her long life,’ Margaret explained.

Elvie’s first job was at Cowin’s laundry in Union Mills aged 14, before working as a domestic servant for the Crookall family at Woodlands a year later.

Margaret said: ’Elvie remained in service to the Crookall family for 21 years and while the work was hard and the hours long, she considered herself fortunate to have secured her position during a time when the living conditions of many represented a constant struggle.’

In 1947 she married gardener Harry Corrin and set up a home at Rose Cottage in Greeba where she lived for more than 60 years.

The couple enjoyed cycling and hiking around the island, as well as pottering in the garden, all before Harry sadly died at the age of 62 in 1960.

In 1970 aged 59, she married Harold Clarke.

’They spent many a happy day driving around the countryside and walking Tina, their dog,’ Margaret said.

Harold died in 1984 aged 71, which was a ’dreadful shock’ to Elvie.

Elvie’s younger sister, Marie, who had never married decided to move in with Elvie at Rose Cottage. This lasted until 2008 when Marie became very ill.

’Elvie cared for her sister and attended to her every need, showing great compassion and love.

After Marie’s death, Elvie decided it was time to leave Rose Cottage at the age of 98. ’Shovelling coal in the icy wind was too much even for her,’ added Margaret.

Elvie then lived with her niece Margaret Tomlinson and husband Ken, where she ’experienced the ups and downs of a modern family’ and thrived on spending time with her great-great nephew, William. Elvie later went into Ellan Vannin care home, in Douglas.

Margaret said: ’Elvie was a wise lady, who had a remarkable memory and was a great observer of her environment and the people in it.

’She never spoke ill of others and kept her own countenance. She was an inspiration to us all and you could have no better friend or confidant.

’Elvie was easy to love and is truly irreplaceable.’