The redoubtable Newcastle Kosher caterer Ann Cranton,who has died aged 96, served the community, since early 1950, catering for weddings to Barmitvahs, private parties and annual dinners. She only retired in her early 90s, when she could no longer sustain her high standards physically, and had given up driving.
Ann had endured many tragedies but always concealed her deep distress, whilst continuing to serve the community. Born in Leeds to Florence and Abraham Priceman, her father died when she was only eight years old.
After matriculation she went straight into the army, joining the ATS in February, 1942 until her release in 1946.
Ann had an exemplary career in the army, first as a clerk in the office of the Commanding Officer, where she was promoted to Corporal in August, 1943.
She then became private Secretary to both the CO and the Adjutant Captain de Galleani, who gave her a glowing reference for work in the civilian world.
Ann married Joe Cranton in Leeds on September 9, 1948 and within a year their daughter Elaine was born. When she was nine months old the Crantons moved to Newcastle, to be near Ann’s older married sister Doris, and became active members of Leazes Park Road Shul. Their son Ashley was born in 1952.
As the two children grew up, Ann, who had a flair for needlework, worked first for a retail soft furnishings firm, then became a long-term PA at North East Development Company (NEDC). Her colleagues greatly respected her efficiency in providing executive lunches for Board members and visitors. She then began catering for local firms.However she had to take early retirement when Joe had a car accident, and she became his driver. She continued with the executive lunches and began catering for the community. Ann took executive roles in many local committees, including the NSPCC, AJEX, the Representative Council for North East Jewry, the synagogue Ladies Guild and Young WIZO, which she co-founded.
For many years she organised the Community Chanukah lunch, and as a member of Knit and Natter, she hosted knitting sessions at her home for Israeli soldiers and the Newcastle welfare charity. She also knitted dolls as fund-raisers.
She was a founder member of The Seedlings, the community gardening group, and when it was disbanded, she donated the remaining funds for garden furniture at PC House, the retirement home in Gosforth, where she would spend her last years.
In 1991 Joe died suddenly, followed by her son in law Adrian Refson, in 1994 after a car accident. Her son Ashley died from cancer a year later. These tragedies left Ann bereft. However she showed great determination to continue and offer support to her surviving family; her daughter Elaine, husband Richard Lampert, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her sister Doris Godfrey predeceased her in 2006.
FAGA SPEKER
Anne Cranton: born June 22,1922. Died November 4, 2018
