Collette Spence

In Loving Memory of

Collette (Harrington) Spence was born on Wednesday, May 12, 1943, in Manchester, England, with eyes as blue as the bluest sky, to her loving parents Agnes and William Harrington. One of eight children, Collette grew up surrounded by joy and a harmonious, close-knit family. Harmonious not only in peace and love, but also in the very literal sense because she comes from a very talented family of the arts through singing, dancing, playing instruments, and painting, just to name a few. Collette’s smile would light up any room she entered. Collette grew up ballroom dancing and won medals in competitions, she was known as the detective of the family, always helping find things, and the banker of the family for being so good at saving, but may be best known for her captivatingly pure, gorgeous singing voice; she knew all the words of thousands of songs of many genres, throughout the ages. She always got compliments on her singing and speaking voice with her beautiful British accent.

After growing up in Manchester, Collette’s passion for traveling and seeing the world led her to the United States in 1970. She worked as an au pair for a lovely family with six children in Massachusetts and then at John Hancock—roles that perfectly reflected her authentically charismatic leadership, caring, and nurturing nature. It was in Boston, Massachusetts, that she met the love of her life, Richard Spence. They were both very brave, adventurous, and loved to travel, so they hopped in a Volkswagen van and had many fun adventures. While visiting good friends in Macon, Georgia, they got married and decided to stay there for a while. In February 1974, they welcomed their beautiful son, Shannon, who would be the eldest of five children. In 1975, they moved to Florida for the endless sunshine and to enjoy being close to the Spence side of the family. Within just a few years, they had a full house, adding four beautiful daughters—Gretchen, Katrina, and twins Laura and Angela. They spent the next fifty years building a lifetime of memories together.

Collette’s greatest joy in life was her family. She devoted herself completely to them, always being there for them and being an amazing wife, mother, and grandmother. Her unconditional love, quiet strength, and strong faith were the foundation upon which her family was built. She considered her family her greatest accomplishment and was endlessly proud of every one of them. She loved them unconditionally, through it all. She was the wind beneath their wings.

Collette found happiness in the simple pleasures of life—a hot of tea, a quiet moment in prayer, animals (especially cats), children, family time, dancing, singing, laughing, and of course, her beloved jewelry, particularly her beautiful rings.

She found peace and the promise of a new dawn in sunsets.

Collette believed if something’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right, and lived accordingly. Any challenge that came her way, she faced it head-on and in true Collette fashion, with courage, grace, and unwavering determination. She far exceeded every expectation, astonishing doctors and inspiring all who knew her. Even in the face of hardship, her strength, love, and care for her family never wavered. She was always an excellent role model.

Collette passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9th, in Melbourne, Florida, at the age of 82. In her final moments, she was surrounded by her family. Shortly after, the most beautiful sunset took place. She is survived by her devoted husband, Richard Spence, her children: son, Shannon Spence (wife Kathryn), daughters, Gretchen (Spence) Wells (husband Michael), Katrina (Spence) Dahdah (husband Jason), Laura Spence (partner Bill Chardavoyne), and Angela Spence. Her sixteen grandchildren: nine grandsons, Christopher Spence, Zachary Wells, Connor Wells, Brady Wells, Alexander Spence, Liam Martin, Jacob Wells, Nicholas Spence, and Wyatt Martin; seven granddaughters, Heather Spence, Hailey Eckhoff, Ella Anselmi, Madison Wells, Graycen Wells, Jane Spence, and Charlie Martin, her sister, Lynne (Harrington) Harrison, sister-in-law Doreen Harrington (Michael’s wife), many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, many friends, and her sweet kitty cat Hoppy. She is predeceased by her mother, Anges Harrington, her father, William Harrington, her siblings: Shelia Harrington, Terrance Harrington, Bernice (Harrington) Meagher (husband Frank), John Harrington (wife Eileen), Maureen (Harrington) Jones (husband Keith), and Michael Harrington.

A devout Roman Catholic, Collette will be laid to rest at her church of almost 40 years, Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, Florida, on Thursday, November 13th, at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of her beautiful life will follow at Front Street Civic Center.

Collette Spence was a light in every life she touched. She loved deeply, gave freely, and lived with a heart full of faith and grace. She will be forever loved and missed by all who knew her. She will forever live on in Heaven and through her legacy, her family, and our dreams. May her light continue to shine bright upon us from Heaven.

Until we meet again—We love you so much.