DORA SPOONER

MRS Dora Spooner nee Jackson, of Woodfield Avenue, Accrington, died on Monday, December 5, aged 88.

Dora was born in Accrington and attended St Anne’s RC School. She began her working life at Broad Oak Mill as a weaver where she spent several years. This is where she met and later married her late husband Walter.

Dora also worked for many years at Hazel Mill in Haslingden before moving to Ewbank Sweepers in Accrington, where she worked on the production line for a number of years.

Following this she had a change of direction and went to work at Accrington Victoria Hospital, where she trained as an SEN nurse and shared her working duties between there and Park Lee Hospital, Blackburn, where she remained for the next 20 years up to her retirement.

She forged many strong friendships during her time at the hospital. For many years she followed Burnley Football Club – attending matches all over the country. She also supported Accrington Stanley FC.

Her favourite saying which she used all the time was “Bend it like Beckham”. She was a very keen gardener and did a great deal of voluntary work at Maundy Relief, Abbey Street, Accrington. She was a lifelong member of both St Anne’s and St Joseph churches.

She was an avid reader and also enjoyed crosswords and wordsearches. She liked knitting – especially clothes for her grandchildren. Dora enjoyed watching TV – particularly sitcoms and crime stories.

She loved all animals, especially dogs, having kept many during her lifetime. Most of all she adored her grandchildren and, as they got older, she enjoyed nothing more than spending quality time with them.

Devoted wife of the late Walter, she was much loved mother of Christine and Tony, and mother-in-law of David. Precious nan of James, Ellie and Hannah, she was dearest aunt of Beverley, a much loved cousin of the late Vicky, and a dear friend to all who knew her.

A very special thanks to Michelle and Laura and all of the “Golden Girls” for all their support and help during the past months.

Her funeral will be held on Wednesday, December 14 with a Requiem Mass at 10.15am at St Anne’s RC Church, Cobham Road, Accrington, conducted by minister Fr S Stamp, followed by cremation at Accrington Crematorium at 11.40am. Family flowers only with donations requested for Maundy Relief c/o funeral director Hyndburn Funeral Services.