Tributes paid to dedicated Burngreave community champion Ann Duckenfield
St James Church and the wider Burngreave community are mourning the death of Ann Duckenfield, who has been remembered as a tireless advocate and devoted friend.
Tributes have poured in for beloved community stalwart Ann Duckenfield, who died recently.
A central presence at St James Church in Burngreave since she was just four-years-old, Ms Duckenfield has been remembered as a passionate advocate whose life was deeply intertwined with the diverse cultures of the neighbourhood.
Sharon Curtis, of Ellesmere Children's Centre, led the tributes by describing her as a dedicated woman of faith who worked tirelessly to bring people together, particularly through supporting friendship groups and establishing welcoming environments where Asian women felt safe, valued and supported.
Dr Curtis described her as someone woven into the fabric of the neighbourhood, who championed community through personal relationships rather than standing on the sidelines.
Her sudden death leaves a huge void across both the congregation and the surrounding area.
Sandra, of St James Church, also shared warm memories of Ms Duckenfield's energy, cheerfulness and love of music.
"Ann was a friend to all, nothing was ever too much for Ann, my daughter from a young age called her Mary Poppins, as she always had a few children in tow," Sandra said.
"I would open the church on a Sunday and Ann would arrive with her bags full of goodies for the Tuesday Ladies Group with her cheeky smile, we would take a moment setting the church up but Ann is going to be missed not only by the St James congregation, but by the community who knew that Ann was their friend with her cheerie hello and smile.
"She loved music whenever she got the chance she would have a little dance."
Ms Curtis added that the best way to honour Ms Duckenfield's legacy would be to carry forward the work she championed by keeping the doors of St James Church open, sustaining welcoming spaces, and strengthening bonds across cultures throughout Burngreave.