Ann Spencer Gates

I just heard yesterday about your passing, Spencer, and it just made me flash back to those EW days, and your big spirit, full appreciation of life, and just how precious life is for all of us. My heart goes out to your family, and a big thank you to your EW friends--Kitty, Ellen, Mary-- who were by your side. I will continue to think about you as this sad news finds a place to settle. Much love, Gin

I learned with sadness that wonderful. warm, fun and funny Spencer is gone. The twinkle in her eye, throaty voice and big laughter brightened a room and yes, this world. I was so very lucky to have shared time at Emma Willard with Spencer as feisty, young teenagers and later as maturing women. I'll always look for her on campus, remember her with joy and fondness and from now on miss her. Ann Beach '76

Dear Spencer,

For several years when visiting Deer isle I called at your place .. Really at your grandfather's and a couple of times we actually managed to be there at the same time-- shortly after our 25th reunion- stunning clear Maine day. We hung out on the sunset rock and lunched in a scene that Robert McCloskey got just right. We had discovered at that last EW reunion a kinship, joy and perspective that comes with age, not awkward anymore, you had a.. to the point, straight...

I got this overwhelming urge to talk to Spencer this past February after not having spoken to her for fifteen years. We are both from Buffalo, but she was closer to my bother Nelson's age than mine and we had never met before we happened to end up working in the same department at Harvard Extension in 1987. We became roommates in an apartment in Brighton along with my new husband, Tony and her cat, Phil.

When we spoke this February, (my mother just happened to run into Spencer's...

Since hearing the very sad news about Spencer, I have gone throughout the daily tasks of the day thinking so much about her life and wonderful memories of EW. Spencer often made me smile. Though I've been remiss in keeping in touch, my thoughts and prayers are there for family and friends who feel this loss the most.

Wow. This news has stopped me in my tracks.
Blessings to you dear Spencer. A new chapter begins. I bet you'll make the most of it.
Peace and love.

When I think of Spencer I think of that deep laugh, that incredible smile and the twinkle in her eye. The Spencer I remember showed a zest for life, one who told it like it was. She spoke her mind and never sugar coated it, and she knew how to have fun! She had a good heart and was a loyal friend. Life is just unfair sometimes. How lucky we all are to have known her and have her touch our lives so memorably. My thoughts go out to you Kitty and Ellen for your unwavering support of our...

The most fabulous gal many of will ever know. Despite her petite stature she was a giant in personality, humor and conviction. A going-out party celebrated in her honor on July9th will be spoken about in the halls of Harvard Extention School, the old Boston music scene and Cambridge theater arena (if they have halls) where she whole-heartedly devoted herself until her final moments with shocking gusto. I loved her, but who couldn't!

When I think of Genesis and Peter Gabriel, I think of Spencer. I also think of Spencer with myThacher School experience, where she was my roommate-
Love of Life, that was Spencer. Strong, personable, a terrific sense of humor- I also think of her forever on the soccer field, with her incredible tenacity and spirit. It was my favorite team experience ever, I was a wing, Ford, Hillman and the gang. A truly memorable few seasons with Rob Durkee as our coach.
I join my classmates in...