John & Pat
My deepest sympathies on the loss of an incredible lady. May the many great memories help you get through these sad times
SPENCER, Patricia Fae
1923 - 2021
The family of Fae Spencer sadly announces her passing on April 9, 2021 in her 98th year.
Deeply missed by her family, Fae was predeceased by the love of her life, Alf Spencer after their 75th wedding anniversary, and by her beloved grandson, Jordan Marc Birnie.
And she was predeceased by her parents Irene and Harris Tugwell, and siblings Bernice Rogers and StirlingTugwell.
She is survived by her children: Connie, and husband, Alex Gillis; Lynne Birnie; Doug Spencer and his wife, Janet; John Spencer and his wife, Patricia.
And her grandchildren: Jason Spencer and his wife, Tammy; Cheri Knight and her husband, Wayne; Jeremy Birnie and his wife, Sarah;
Ryan Spencer and his wife, Dominique; Andrea Spencer and her partner, Evan Cope.
And great grandchildren: Breanna and Kaitlyn Spencer; Dawson and Emily Knight; Olivia and Hazel Birnie; Arielle and Madeline Spencer;Winter Spencer-Cope and Navy Spencer-Cope.
Mom was born in Veteran, Alberta, and her family settled in New Liskeard where they became active members of the United Church. It was at a social function at the church that fate determined Fae’s future when she met the handsome Alf Spencer. It was love at first sight and remained so throughout their lives. They married shortly before Alf was sent to war. They wrote faithfully every day until his safe return and subsequent opening of Spencer Jewellers. It was not long before family expansion began.
Mom was devoted to her family, and with Dad, created a solid foundation for us.
She was gracious, generous and shy with a wicked come-back wit that complemented Dad’s easy sense of humour. Together, they provided social grounding and appreciation for fun and humour. Mom was the ultimate home anchor, paying particular attention to nurturing her family.
The beautiful birthday cakes she baked and decorated with love for each family member’s interest, were legend. On Halloween, there was often a lineup at our door for the best mom-made candied apples, ever! Mom could sew anything, from a complex Scottish dance outfit for her highland dancing daughter at Robbie Burns Night, to a perfectly stitched dress made for her 10-year-old the night before a music festival competition.
Mom played bridge, golfed, curled, was a volunteer at St. Paul’s United Church and was a founding and lifetime member of the
New Liskeard Lioness Club. She loved the fun of cottage living with family and friends; from campfires, swimming, boating, canoeing and nature walks in the summer, to snowmobiling in the winter. There are memories of Mom washing sheets in the clear water of Fairy Lake and of Beatles music playing in the kitchen on a sunny day, of Mom and Dad gardening, Dad in the back with his vegetables, Mom at the front with her flowers. At 5:00 pm every day, they shared happy hour and news of their day. Dinner was at 6:00
Mom and Dad spent their later years together into their 90’s, where they particularly found joy in their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and made the decision to live together at the Manor where they received excellent care for 12 years before Dad’s passing.
We are grateful for Mom’s long healthy life, the life she gave her family and the peace she has now.
The family is particularly grateful to the Northdale Manor staff for our parents’ excellent longterm care, and for the care extended to Mom after Dad’s passing in her declining years, and during the challenges of Covid limitations.
Thank you to Temiskaming Hospital for Mom’s care, and for accommodating our Zoom family meetings and personal visits, especially during the challenges of Covid for staff and families.
Donations in memory of Fae Spencer may be made to St. Paul’s United Church (70 Wellington St., N., New Liskeard, ON – P0J 1P0) or to the Northdale Manor in New Liskeard (130 Lakeshore Rd., N., New Liskeard, ON – P0J 1P0).
Write your sympathies or tribute