Husband remembers wife of 60 years by unveiling plaque at Chelmsford care home

Company news

Oct 26, 2009

The husband of a lady who was a former resident at a Chelmsford nursing and residential home has made a return visit to remember his wife by unveiling a plaque in her memory.

George Reincke was so impressed by the care his wife, Amy, received at the Care UK run Manor Lodge that he made a substantial donation to the home, which paid for raised flower beds in the gardens. The plaque is attached to one of the planters.

Amy and George Reincke were married for 60 years. Amy was born in Woking, Surrey, and the couple met when they were both 15 years old. The couple had four children and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Amy was diagnosed with dementia four and a half years ago and was also a diabetic. She was only at Manor Lodge for three weeks before she was moved to hospital where she died in June of this year.

Amy loved gardening with a passion and was known to many as the ‘fuscia lady’ because of her beautiful display of fuscias. She also handmade her family’s wedding & bridesmaids' dresses, as well as the wedding cakes. She was a particularly resourceful lady. She loved her caravan club, flowers, watching the birds, nicely presented meals and talking about the past.

George, who has been twice decorated by the Queen and has chauffeured the royal family on several occasions, said: “I was delighted with the care my wife received at Manor Lodge. It was delivered with sincerity and affection and I would like to thank and congratulate all the nursing staff involved.”

Sue Oates, Services Development Manager of Manor Lodge, said: “Amy was only with us for a short time but she made a great impression on everyone here at Manor Lodge. George’s generous and substantial donation will mean Amy will live on in our thoughts for many years and we sincerely thank him for it.”

At the placing of the plaque, Richard Pearman, a director at Care UK, spoke about Amy’s life. The afternoon was attended by Amy and George’s family and friends, many of the residents and their relatives, and staff and the executive team from Care UK Residential Care Services.

Manor Lodge is a newly built, contemporary care home that was officially opened by celebrity gardener, Charlie Dimmock, in March this year. The raised flowerbeds allow keen gardeners to continue pursuing their hobby.