Heartbreak as widow of Tunisia terror attack victim dies of 'a broken heart'

Maureen Evans from Wednesbury died on Wednesday this week at the age of 74, her daughter Suzy Evans sadly announced this week.

Mrs Evans lost her 19-year-old grandson Joel, son Adrian Evans, age 44, and 78-year-old husband Patrick Evans - Suzy's son, brother and father - in the barbaric beach shooting three years ago.

Only Suzy's youngest son Owen, Mrs Evan's grandson - who was just 16 at the time - came back.

The 49-year-old said she was 'heartbroken' her mother had died, adding: "She truly tried, but her broken heart could never get over what happened and our horrific loss."

Mrs Evans worked various different jobs throughout her life but later became a carer and looked after elderly people in their homes, retiring at the age of 60.

She married Patrick Evans at Holy Cross Catholic Church in West Bromwich, the same church the three men's funerals were held.

Suzy added: "She was the hub of our family, a true character and what true family love is made of. Mom and Dad had a loving life together for over 50 years. Both had conquered illness and both lived for their family.

"She was a great Mom and, along with Dad, meant me and my brother had a wonderful childhood. She also became a second Mom to her grandsons and would have done anything for them.

"My Mom has struggled. She lost her only son, her first grandson and her husband - no medicine was ever going to fix that. With poor health and a broken heart she died peacefully. My only hope is she is now back with her boys."

The grandmother died the day before the family attended a ceremonial service at National Memorial Arboretum, where a new memorial to victims of overseas terrorism was unveiled yesterday.

Suzy, her son Owen - now 19, her best friend Louise, and Mrs Evans's sisters Joyce and Barbara went to the service as Suzy said she felt her mother would have wanted them to go.

Suzy and Owen met Prince Charles and spoke with him about their charity Smile for Joel, set up in memory of Patrick, Adrian and Joel to try and help support families who are victims of murder and terrorism.