Sheffield mourns 'most inspirational' Royal British Legion chairwoman

Christine Spencer served as chairwoman of the South and West Yorkshire Royal British Legion (RBL), helping to raise many thousands of pounds for veterans and their families, and ensuring their sacrifices were never forgotten.

She sadly died in hospital on Monday, July 27, aged 80, and her funeral took place at St James Church in Norton on Thursday, August 13.

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Her great granddaughters Demi and Montana Spencer said: “She was so passionate about the Royal British Legion and she loved raising money and helping people. She put so much time and effort into that and never had a day off.

"She was also the best great grandmother you could ask for and probably the most inspirational person I know, and she’s left a huge legacy.”

Christine, who grew up in Abbeydale, Sheffield, joined the Army aged 18 as a physical instructor and was based in Woolwich, where she met her future husband Peter, who was also in the Army.

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After marrying, they spent time in Singapore and Germany, where he was posted, before returning to Sheffield to raise their family in Gleadless Valley.

They had two children, Dianne and Stephen, and were blessed with three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Christine worked for the Barnsley-based clothing manufacturer SR Gent for many years, rising to the position of personal officer, and went on to spend more than 20 years with the RBL.

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Father Grant Naylor, who led the funeral service, called her a ‘Christian to the end and a noble citizen of the city of Sheffield’.

“It was an honour and privilege to administer the last rites to Christine as she passed away and to celebrate her funeral,” he added.

"Christine was a real Sheffield character who contributed so much to the Royal British Legion and to our city. She was brave and full of faith to the end.”