It is with great sadness that we learned over the weekend of Anna’s sudden passing. Everyone at Woods Whur is devastated at the loss of a fabulous work colleague and friend. Anna was only in the office a week ago and as usual, she filled the place with her own special personality.
We were delighted when Anna agreed to join us in February 2015 as Andy and I had known, respected and liked her for many years. Even when she was on the other side of cases, she was fair and decent and we held her in the highest of regards.
Very soon after she joined us, we realised that we were very lucky. Not only was Anna a superb technical lawyer, an immensely hard worker who was loved by her clients she was most of all, a beautiful kind-hearted person that lit up our office. Her eccentricities helped to make her an even more special person to be around. Turning up for a meeting with me at Kings Cross with Poppy Terrier on a lead, getting on the wrong train home after her 50th Birthday celebration….and ending up staying the night in Harrogate, are just a few examples of her unique and loveable character.
Talking to her clients yesterday has made Andy and I realise how respected she was within her circle. Some very emotional conversations have made us realise how her personal approach and professionalism, had touched the lives of many within our industry.
Two special occasions stand out for us. We held a surprise 50th Birthday party for Anna just after she had become engaged to Viv and we had a fantastic day with Anna, capped off by her night in Harrogate. The real highlight was seeing her reaction when we won the Yorkshire Legal Awards Best Niche Law Firm in October last year. She was the natural representative for the group photo, and she danced the night away.
All of our love is with her Mum, Brother and fiancé Viv as they go through the worst of times.
It will never quite be the same at Woods Whur without our lady in red.
Rest in peace Anna, you will forever be in our hearts.
