Jean Spence: Tributes paid to Buckley hockey player

Jean Spence, 61, was a member of Buckley Hockey Club for many years and is said to have had a "huge passion" for the game. 

Jean, wife of Colin, passed away very suddenly and unexpectedly from a heart attack on March 20 of this year, and Buckley Hockey Club's pre-season friendly on Septmeber 26 was the first time they stepped out as a team without her. 

And the club, including Jean's daughter Emma Heaton who is also a member, has paid tribute to her. 

Emma said: "Her passion for the game led her to many hockey tours, national competitions, international umpiring and many adventures. 

"Our absolute rock, with her strength in defence as well as support on and off the pitch. Jean was ‘Hockey Mum’ to many of our team over the years and her wisdom and experience was invaluable during coaching and training. 

"She will be sorely missed and our club will never be the same; we are however, ever grateful for all the wonderful memories and laughs we have shared over the years. Jean always had a smile on her face, laughter in her chest, a heart full of love and a hockey stick or whistle in her hand."

Emma Heaton and mum Jean Spence.

Jean umpired more regularly in more recent years, and did so at an international level, but would also play and was a valued team member - securing best player awards even up to last season.

Becky Davies, long term friend and teammate of Jean, said: "Jean is the reason a lot of us, myself included, are still playing hockey today.

"Not only an amazing friend but the most selfless, fun-loving and motivating lady who will continue to inspire us with the many memories we have of her. I know that Emma will continue to make her proud with her incredible strength and passion."

Emma Heaton with dad Colin and mum Jean.

In her professional capacity, Jean worked as a receptionist at Deeside Community Hospital's physiotherapy department for a number of years. 

Fran Hughes, of Deeside Community Hospital, said of her: "She was loved dearly by both the staff and the patients over the years. She was one of those people that seemed to know everyone- and would always make time to ask about how you and your family were.

"Jean’s wicked sense of humour lit up the room and lightened the mood even through stressful periods. We loved listening while she updated us on her family, golf and hockey filled weekends

"She was such an important part of our team at the hospital, and we miss her every single day.

"Once the pandemic has resolved, and the hospital opens back up, we plan on holding a memorial celebration in the gardens of the hospital."

Jean was also heavily involved at Mold Golf Club, where she acted as competition secretary for a number of years. 

Debbie Barton, Mold Golf Club manager, said: “Jean’s death came as a huge shock to us here at Mold Golf Club.

"Jean was a fantastic and popular member, a keen and capable player and also a strong supporter of the club in many other ways.

"She had been at the club the night before she died in her typical organised fashion, making plans for the way forward for competitions given all the changes that were coming with Covid.

"Jean came to golf in 2010 as part of our New to Golf scheme having enjoyed hockey for so many years previously and took to the game brilliantly winning many prizes along the way, getting her handicap down to 15 and representing the club in team matches.

"Jean and her husband Colin were also regulars on the club social scene together. We are all devastated at her loss - Jean is greatly missed.”

In a final tribute to her mum, Emma said: "Jean was involved in so many different things but the theme is consistent - anything she did, she did it well, full of love, with a smile on her face, laughter in her chest and was at her happiest when she was making other people happy. 

"We will all be eternally grateful for the impact she had and will continue to have on our lives that are all the richer for having her in."

Jean Spence and husband Colin.