Lucy Spector Obituary

Lucy Spector

Lucy Spector, founder of the iconic San Francisco fabric store, Britex Fabrics, passed away in her home at the age of 93 on July 1, 2017. She was a survivor, a mother, a grandmother, and a successful businesswoman.

Lucy was born in Vienna, Austria in 1923. She was forced to leave her beautiful city in 1939 when Adolf Hitler rose to power. Her mother was able to escape to England to become a maid and her father to Shanghai.Lucy stayed in Vienna with her grandparents until she joined her mother in England a year later. Her father died before being able to reunite with them, and her grandparents perished in the concentration camps.

Lucy and her mother came over to the US in 1949 on the Queen Mary and moved their life to New York where she met and married Martin Spector. Martin was a fabric merchant in Poland. He too lost his family to the Holocaust and started anew in New York City. He opened Britex Fabrics in 1947 in the garment district. He and Lucy had three daughters; Sharman, Beverly, and Audrey.

While on vacation in San Francisco in 1952, Martin and Lucy saw a vacant storefront downtown and decided to move their business and family to San Francisco in 1960. Lucy was Martin's anchor as they worked together to build Britex Fabrics. Things abruptly changed when Martin passed away in 1966. Lucy was left with three young children and her mother to take care of.

Rising from the ashes once again, Lucy was determined to move forward, and in doing so became a very successful business owner. A woman ahead of her time, she took the reins and built Britex Fabrics to be one of the most respected and iconic businesses in San Francisco.

Lucy loved selecting the most beautiful fabrics available and relishing the excitement of her appreciative and loyal customers. She had impeccable taste and a refined European elegance which was set off by her flaming red hair and irresistible charm. She would often travel to New York to buy fabric from the tiniest hole-in-the-wall vendors, the Yiddish jobbers on the Lower East Side, to the most well-known names on Seventh Avenue like Bill Blass, Geoffrey Beene, and Adele Simpson.

Lucy was shaped by her constantly uprooted life. Her experiences made her sensitive to what many Britex job applicants–who were themselves new to the country–were going through. She was willing to give people a chance at a job and a place in America. As a result, the store became an incredible mix of cultures and languages; it was an authentic American melting pot. There was a feeling of camaraderie and the closeness of a large extended family. Lucy gave people an opportunity and thereby touched hundreds of lives. Many were in awe of her determination, work ethic, and outspokenness.

Lucy singlehandedly raised her daughters to become the women they are today and was also a wonderful grandmother to her six grandchildren who experienced and loved her for her European flair, candid advice, devotion and love, and delicious Austrian baking. She has left an indelible mark on her family, employees, customers, and the city of San Francisco. Her business, Britex Fabrics continues to thrive downtown.

Lucy leaves behind three daughters; Sharman, Beverly, and Audrey, six grandchildren; Jason, Taylor, Sydney, Andrew, Alix, and Carlo, three sons-in-law; Gary, Kenneth, and Milton, her dear friend Inge, her caretaker Tamaki, and her beloved dachshund, Chibi. She will be dearly missed.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 15 to Jul. 16, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Lucy Spector

5 Entries

Maria

January 4, 2025

I worked at Britex in 1985. I remember Lucy and Charman very well. It was a wonderful place to work.

S. Joseph

October 11, 2017

Dear Bev and family, I just learn the very sad news. Lucy will still live as long as the store stays open. We are very happy to have known her. Our prayers are with all of you. Simone and Stephen Joseph. Los Angeles

Melody C. Doss-Wambeke

July 21, 2017

I first entered The store in 1979 answering an ad for a cashier. My first impression was the floor to ceiling wall of wool arranged in color and pattern. There were salespeople standing on the ladders pulling out the fabrics to show eager and excited customers. There was such palatable energy and excitement that greeted me. Instantly I knew I wanted to be part of the action. I learned that cashiering was not my ability but I discovered I love selling...and that was the beginning of my 35 year journey at Britex Fabrics. Throughout my tenure, Mrs. Spector was my employer and became my mentor about fabrics and life. She congratulated me when I told her my late husband and I purchased a house. She quietly gave me a large plate with the Chinese character meaning longevity from Gumps. I have cherished this plate to this day. Mrs. Spector gave me the opportunity to grow in the store and outside the store. Most importantly, she demonstrated perseverance, as loyalty, empathy, and compassion. Thank you, Mrs. Spector for all you have done and may you rest in peace.

johnny schenone

July 18, 2017

Far too many superlatives come to mind thinking back on my relationship with Mrs. Spector of Britex Fabrics, so I'll simply add my voice to the chorus saying it was an absolute pleasure & blessing of having had the opportunity of making her acquaintance. I was fortunate enough to be her account representative while employed at the Chronicle decades ago.

They don't make em like her any more, unfortunately. She leaves only good thoughts/memories behind, I am sure.

My condolences to the family over the loss. Good luck with filling the void left in her wake.

July 17, 2017

I worked well with Mrs Spector for many years selling Britex their packaging. She was always kind to me and till she stopped doing business with me, we enjoyed a pleasant working relationship.

RIP Mr Spector and thank you for the memories.

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