In Memory of Annie Spencer

Annie was born on 19th June 1934, in Belper, the daughter of Florence and Herbert Slack. She grew up at 23 Hunter Road, with her brothers Dennis, Herbert, Dick, Graham and his twin sister Barbara. Sadly, they all passed before Annie. She also had a younger sister Doreen who died as a baby. A testament to Annie’s caring nature is that she never forgot Doreen, and always took flowers to Belper Cemetery for her.

Annie went to Pottery School and, as was normal in those days, at the age of 14 left to work at Belper Mill making stockings. Her daughters recall her telling them of how happy she was growing up on Hunter Road, even though her first few years were lived during the second world war. She remembered the sense of community, and fondly recalled how caring for neighbours was the norm.

Annie met Patrick, or Pat as she always called him, at the Belper River Gardens where they both loved to go with their friends. Pat’s friends used to tease him by saying ‘here comes smiler’ whenever they saw Annie. She had very fond memories of listening to the bands who played in the bandstand at the River Gardens each weekend.

Annie and Pat married, at St. Peter’s Church in Belper, on 12th March 1954 and moved into their bungalow, 'Jalna', which had been built by Pat and his father. The bricks and mortar of the bungalow very quickly became a home, filled with love, and the smells of her cooking and incredible baking. The garden also became a true joy, full of beautiful flowers, trees, shrubs, vegetable plots and a greenhouse. The garden remained of great importance to Annie throughout her life and only last year she had the front garden lawn returfed so that it continued to look immaculate. She was very sad when she became unable to garden herself.

Annie and Patrick had three children; Lauren Ann in 1957, Cheryl Patricia in 1960 and Tina in 1965. Annie’s children have many happy memories of their mum.

Annie’s greatest gift was her love of caring for others, and she spent many hours doing so. She cared for her own mother until her passing at the age of 98, her sister in law Addie, and loved nothing more than baking and cooking for all her family. Her baking was always a triumph and is much missed by everyone who ever tasted it. In earlier years her three daughters remember her working away, for many hours, at her sewing machine making lovely outfits for them all. Lauren in particular remembers a beautiful white dress her mum made for her from her own wedding dress. Annie was also a talented knitter and knitted everything from tiny matinee jackets to adult sized jumpers and cardigans.

Annie had seven grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren, and they were all much welcomed into the world, and so loved. They have wonderful memories of time spent with their Nana.

Until recent years she had the most incredible energy; an energy not seen in many. This energy and love of life is what her daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will always remember.

Annie found joy in the simple things; a cup of tea, a chat with a friend, a cake well baked, the hug of a grandchild, a shopping trip with her daughters, a vase of flowers, a wordsearch, a good television programme. She was never extravagant, and never wished for more than she had.

She may no longer be with us, but her laughter, kindness, and spirit live on in our stories, our smiles, and our hearts.

Away
James Whitcomb Riley

I cannot say, and I will not say
That she is dead. She is just away.
With a cheery smile, and a wave of the hand
She has wandered into an unknown land;
And left us dreaming how very fair
Its needs must be, since she lingers there.
And you - oh you, who the wildest yearn
For the old-time step and the glad return,
Think of her faring on, as dear
In the love of there, as the love of here.
Think of her still the same way I say,
She is not dead, she is just away.