Eastbourne florist shop hit by double tragedy

Ruth Goncalves, who ran Petals Florist in Hampden Park passed away earlier this month and her husband Miguel died just days before.

The couple’s funeral was held yesterday (Wednesday).

Mrs Goncalves was a popular businesswoman and had owned and run the Brassey Parade shop for several years.

Customers took to social media and Facebook to pay tribute to Mrs Goncalves who was described as kind, friendly, caring and a talented and dedicated florist who would go out of her way to make sure people had what they wanted.

The shop’s website and Facebook page said, “Sorry to inform everyone that has ordered or wanted to order flowers, but following the tragic passing of the shops owner, Ruth Goncalves, we will be permanently closed down. Sorry for any inconveniences caused by this.

“If you have already ordered flowers, we are doing our absolute best to refund you all. Thank you for your kindness and patronage over the years.

“I know how much it meant to my Mum to know that people would enjoy her artistic talents when it came to floristry.”

Mrs Gonclaves death is not being treated as suspicious and the coroner is investigating.