Carolyn Aish June 22, 2025 Who will ever forget Frances, the school gathered, ready to farewell you in retirement, and all of a sudden Tina Turner and Simply the Best is blaring out - and you, dancing your entrance on to the stage - and the entire school dancing with you? Both you and your memories were legendary Frances. You were simply one in a million.

Aunty Frances made me proud to be a Spence. Attending Auckland University seeing her name on the role of student body presidents as the first female, running into people she coached or students from Avondale who's lives she had touched. When I think of Frances I will always feel pride, inspiration and love.

Growing up, visiting Auntie Francis was like winning the childhood jackpot. For most kids, a fun day out meant the zoo or the park. But for me? It meant her house. Her living room? A shrine to souvenirs and stories. Her shelves? A museum of memories. You never left Auntie Francis's house without feeling like you'd just been on a mini world tour. She turned curiosity into a lifestyle, and her passion for people, places, and postcards was contagious. I truly believe that spark she lit in most of us—this excitement to explore, learn, and embrace different cultures—is something that has shaped our family forever. Now, I have to tell you about one of my all-time favourite memories. I was there the day she retired from Avondale College. I already knew she was amazing. But then... they played "Simply the Best" and the entire place just erupted. Dozens of people were singing, dancing, tearing up, and celebrating her. And it hit me—this woman didn’t just teach at Avondale. She lived it. She uplifted generations of students and staff. She wasn’t just “nice” or “well-liked.” No, Auntie Francis had impact. She didn’t just walk through life—she marched through it with a sparkle in her step and a handbag full of chocolates and cheeky advice. And what did she do after retiring? Most people just hit the cruise ships or took up gardening. Not Auntie Francis. No, she took all that energy and turned it toward the community. She became even more involved—lifting people up, supporting families, helping friends, and communities. And Christmas at Robert Burke just wasn’t the same without her. Nor were family times at Auntie Wendy’s. Everyone in this room is here for the same reason: Auntie Francis made a difference. So today, while our hearts are heavy, let’s remember her the way she’d want us to—with joy, laughter, maybe a cheeky wine, Thank you, Auntie Francis, for showing us how to live boldly and love widely. You were simply the best!

Grant Bryers June 8, 2025 An amazing lady. I will always remember the time that she arrived in our driveway, in Raetihi driving a Holden Torana and proudly raised the car´s bonnet to reveal that she had the high performance engine chromed. As one envious young male who could only at that age dream of owning such a car, I was amazed that `Aunty Frances´ a woman!! was a `Petrol Head´!! A `Girl Racer´ born before her time! Mum and Dad both loved her.