Evonne Cameron-Phillips

Welcome to our celebration and remembrance of Evonne Cameron-Phillips. Here is where you can enjoy browsing special moments others have shared about her and also add your own. Thank you

Obituary

Evonne was of Welsh-Jamaican descent, a mother of three and grandmother to four. She was born in Cardiff, Wales, lived in Nigeria for a few years, returned to Cardiff for a brief period whilst re-starting her education as a mature student but spent the last 30 years of her life in London.As a Psychoanalytic Psychotherapist she ran a private practice throughout her career as well as working for a number of organisations and associations over the years. Her more recent work was in a supervisory capacity. She also volunteered for a number of charities.

Evonne was a member of the Triratna Buddhist Community for over 10 years and had particular connection to the North London Buddhist Centre, one of many Triratna centres.  She enjoyed being an active part of the community as it became an increasingly important aspect of her life over the years. She became a mitra ('friend'), which means she was witnessed in a formal ceremony by the community as a practicing Buddhist. She had also asked for Ordination into the Triratna Buddhist Order and was working towards that with energy, wisdom and increasingly boundless love.

Evonne was private in the practice of her faith but generously shared her understandings with those who had an interest or curiosity. Her children were big beneficiaries of her Buddhist practice.

Unable to meditate formally in her last weeks, she described her practice then as sending love to everyone many times a day, and leaning into gratitude and moments of joy and peace. Thankfully she had the time to express her wishes for a Buddhist funeral ceremony and speak with Bodhamayi and Karunagita about the details. This provides us all with the opportunity to honour and celebrate her the way she would have wanted.Evonne had a wide group of friends from many aspects of her life and many times in her life. Her interest in people, desire to build relationships, kindness, compassion and sense of humour means that she has been surrounded by vibrant communities of people from work, hobbies, family, interests and just general life.She was a loving mother to Dele, Kemi and Tayo, grandmother to Jason, Sebastian, Joshua and Isabella, sister to John Cameron and aunty to Michelle, Paul, Kelly, Amber, Ruthy and other family members. She was also a fabulous Dog-grandma to Truffle. It is impossible for us to re-count the many aspects of Evonne’s life. That is a collective effort - from all who knew her - that we sincerely hope you will join us in creating.

Gallery

Memory wall

August 14, 2024

I was in a Mitra Study group years ago and more recently in the Buddhist Elders Group with Evonne. Very sad to hear she is dead. Her gentle kindness concealed a formidable brain but she wore her knowledge lightly and was always willing to listen and accept others for who they are. I admired her a lot and learned self-restraint from her. I shall miss her giggle and warm presence in the group. Rest in peace, Evonne.

Cordelia Mayfield

August 12, 2024

Fund memories and farewell to a calm, strong and wise woman. It was a genuinely lovely experience working with Evonne as my clinical supervisor. I recall the day she shared with me that she has links with Nigeria and had actually lived there for a few years. I was pleasantly surprised and felt an affiliation to her in a way I hadn’t done before. She will be missed but I am thankful I am joining with many others to celebrate her well lived life. O d’igba o!🙏🏾

Caroline Adewole

August 12, 2024

I am very saddened to hear of Evonne's passing away. She was a thoughtful and deep person, who was committed to her work with people at the Arbours Crisis Centre. I met here there while she was a trainee psychotherapist and resident therapist. Later, I worked with her as her supervisor and team leader. She always impressed me as a moral person while remaining non-judgmental with others. Her capacity to remain calm and contained at the same time as being emotionally available made her an ideal therapist for the many damaged and disturbed people with whom she worked in that early stage of her career. She also had a quiet and ironic sense of Welsh humour, with an attractive knowing smile. I also knew that she was very committed to her family, and protected the privacy of its members. May her soul rest in peace.

Kannan Navaratnem

August 12, 2024

I am very sad to hear the news of Eyonne’s death. My condolences to her family & friends at such a sad time. I knew Evonne during our Mitra study at the North London Buddhist Centre. She was always warm, friendly and helpful, a lovely person to be around. Sending my love to her loved ones.

Chrysi Dimaki

August 12, 2024

Aunty Evonne's heart so was so full of love, kindness and humour. My deepest condolences to Dele, Kemi ,Tayo and all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed.
I will forever be grateful for her impact on my trajectory as a young man, and how she so easily made me feel like family when I was so far away from my own.
Sleep Well Aunty.

Leke Awoyinka

August 12, 2024

Sincere condolences to the family on your loss.

Evonne recently joined us here at the Maya Centre as a Clinical Supervisor. When she came for interview I recognised her as my mentor for 2 years whilst on my course under BAATN’s Each One Teach One programme. Evonne got me through some hectic times which I am forever grateful for

May she rest well 🙏🏾

Melanie Atherley

August 10, 2024

I was told recently that a mark of your parenting is how much your children want to be around you when they don’t have to be. Beautiful Aunty Yvonne was so greatly loved by her children who sought to be with her at every opportunity. After many years, we met again 10 years ago around this same time, memories from childhood of her voice, the slight remainder of a Welsh lilt and her pronunciation of my name, her smile and warmth were the same. The warmth quickly and easily extended to my own children. How proud she was of Dele, Kemi and Tayo (and they of her). May they be comforted. Amen.

Lola Aleyideino

August 9, 2024

So sad to hear the news of Eyonne’s death. I want to send my condolences to her family & friends at such a sad time. I knew Eyonne during her Psychoanalytic training and placement at the Arbours Association. She had such an open heart and ability to make everyone she came into contact with feel safe, secure and at ease.

Pauline Clancy

August 6, 2024

Evonne was always such a warm presence. I loved sharing a room with her on retreat. Big love. I'll be so touched to meet your family on the sad occasion next week.

Jo Woodward

August 4, 2024

Evonne left a strong impression even on people who only met her a few times. We only had one long conversation, but I clearly remember how easy it was to talk to her and the calm, peaceful feeling in the room. I am so sorry for your loss, Kemi and family. I hope that Evonne’s love will live on in all of your lives and that happy memories of time spent together will be a comfort.

Tamlyn Monson

August 3, 2024

I met Evonne when we worked at the Arbours Crisis Centre. I was immediately attracted to her warmth and wisdom. We remained friends over the passing years. We would meet up occasionally for coffee or dinner. We had a special pact to always meet up close to the New Year., which we usually managed to maintain. We had lunch together a few months ago and made plans to go walking together. Sadly, we will never do that. I loved Evonne. She had compassion, wisdom, depth, compassion and humour. She was a truly beautiful person. I will miss her.

Nitya Lacroix

August 2, 2024

A kind and lovely neighbour and friend who will be very much missed RIP🙏🌞

Roz Butterworth

August 2, 2024

Vonnie and I met in the late 80's. We were both employed as legal secretaries at a firm of solicitors in Streatham opposite Odeon. We quickly became friends especially because of the Welsh family connection. Throughout the years we became very close. We shared a lot and was there for each other through very challenging times. I found Vonnie to be a genuine and sincere person. We didn't always agree and when the occasion warranted it, we agreed to disagree without damaging our relationship. We were able to rely on each other's advice and support so she became the sister I never had. I got to know her children and she mine. We experienced loss of loved ones. I gained a strong sense of who Vonnie was as a mother. We shared quite a lot as sisters do. She loved her children deeply and made every effort to ensure that they were aware of their mixed heritage. Her efforts in that regard is very evident. I am so proud of her. Back in the day weekends would find us (along with other friends) sipping some 'Cockspur' Bajan rum. She loved dancing. One of our favourite places to go was 'Gullivers'. As the years progressed we decided on a career change. She went on to qualify as a psychotherapist and me a Counsellor

Elaine Akanbi

August 1, 2024

Dearest Evonne, I'm utterly devasted to know that you are not with us any longer. I so loved our little get-togethers, when I was down visiting Rik &Tayo. We'd chat about the family and put the world to rights. Or we'd maybe meet for a coffee at Ally Palace and have a quick catch up. It has been an absolute pleasure to have known you. Your compassion, your strength and resilience in life. You have been an amazing friend who has departed from us far too early. We shall meet again at 'God's gate' one day. Until then may you rest in peace.

Sue Leigh-Atkins

August 1, 2024

I dont know Yvonne in person. However, I am a good friend with her wonderful daughter Tayo. Tayo is a hard working, intelligent, caring soul to everyone around her and very concentrated on what she suppose to do. I think Yvonne will be so proud of herself has Tayo as her daughter and taught her as such a good person. I believe Tayo will continue her legacy and hope Yvonne will rest in peace in the heaven.

Ivan Wan

August 1, 2024

Yvonne it broke my heart to know I won’t hear your laugh anymore. You were like a sister to me in my very younger years then an aunt,then just Yvonne, someone full of wisdom kindness and patience. I will really miss you as will dad who you were alway there for. God bless you and keep you safe.

Michelle drew