Nina Humphrey 1946 - 2021

Nina on the right with Deanna Walker during a book launch at the EWT Dunton visitors' centre.

With great sadness we announce the news that Nina lost her battle with her illness on 29th May 2021. A remarkable lady, who had been the editor of the LDCA website since taking on the post in 2015. Her work with the site was invaluable and she was so brilliant at finding the answers to historical questions, she became known as “Miss Marple”. She enjoyed her work with the society immensely. She was generous with her time and nothing was too much trouble. To the society and to those who loved her, she was irreplaceable.
Our heartfelt sympathy goes out to Colin and the family for their great loss.

Those we love
Don’t go away,
They walk beside us
Every day.
Unseen, unheard,
But always near,
So loved, so missed,
So very dear.

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  • Beautiful words Ken. I’ve only just found out and am so sorry for the loss to her dear family and friends. I met her a couple of times and conversed with her on Facebook. She was extremely knowledgeable about the local area.

    By Lisa Horner (05/06/2023)
  • Ive just found out about Ninas passing, my condolences to Colin and her family and friends.Nina was kind and helpful to my wife and I on our visit to Laindon in 2012, the mini reunion at the Memorial Hall and meeting lots of old school pals. My cousin Harry took her for a flight over the district in his plane shortly after. She was a tower of knowledge of our history and a lovely lady, Regards from Ken Page , Melbourne Australia.

    By ken page (23/10/2021)
  • Sad news indeed. I had the pleasure of meeting Nina and Colin seven or eight years ago on an extended visit back to Essex. They were most kind and welcoming. A walk with the community group starting in the old Recreation Ground, a visit to the Wat Tyler Centre, tea with Ken Porter at St Nicholas (Ken had very kindly located the grave of my cousin John), and a dinner at a great pub in Stock (kindly hosted by my cousin Tony, late of Lincewood Park Drive and his wife Jeanne Archibald), all constitute fond memories of Nina and Colin’s hospitality. Her reputation as Laindon’s Miss Marple was well earned and there was seldom (if ever) a mystery that she could not unravel. A bloodhound had nothing on Nina! My sympathy and best wishes to Colin and the family.

    By alan davies (17/07/2021)
  • I’m so saddened to hear the news about Nina. She was a lovely lady and I really enjoyed getting to know her and discovering about her life in the plotlands. I have such fond memories of going back to visit the former site of her home, and I’ll never forget the look of joy on her face when she re-discovered that her favourite tree was still growing in between the new houses, and had escaped the bulldozer. It remains a favourite memory for me. My thoughts are with Colin and all her family and friends. love Deanna

    By deanna walker (05/07/2021)
  • I am very sad to read the news that Nina has gained her angel wings after such a long struggle against illness. I have really admired her determination and commitment to carry on as Editor of the Archive website , despite having to cope with ongoing side effects from the relentless treatment.
    Her local knowledge and concomittant contribution were tremendous ..her ability and willingness to pursue and research items for the website as well as for us contributors was second to none. It was always such a pleasure to meet and chat with her at the Annual Display and Memory days. She will be so greatly missed but will live on in our hearts and minds and in what we see on the website which is a lasting testament to her.
    Both Tony and myself send heartful sympathy to Colin and the family at this time of great loss.

    By Shakun Banfield (23/06/2021)
  • Dear friends, thank you for your kind words.
    Sadly because of the covid pandemic we have been unable to keep in touch with you at the monthly Memory Days at Laindon Library which are currently on hold. Nina enjoyed these events and always looked forward meeting up with those who were able to attend.
    I would therefore like to extend a warm invitation for you to attend Nina’s funeral which is being held at the Basildon Crematorium at Bowers Giford on 29th June 2021 at 12.30, then to Great Burstead Cemetery for the burial. Please follow this link for further details. For those friends living far afield there will be a live webcast and details of this are also in the link.
    https://www.dignityfunerals.co.uk/funeral-notices/29-05-2021-nina-evelyn-humphrey/?fbclid=IwAR3LDIqjXBQrwQ2w5HQepVO7SdVTiyuHYZolD8nId15Zfp2J0F-o85MYkqk

    By Colin Humphrey (18/06/2021)
  • I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Nina she was an amazing lady who did so much for the Laindon History Archive, I have some wonderful memories of the help that Miss Marple gave to me on various topics to do with Laindon History. Nina will be sadly missed . My condolences go to Colin and the family.
    Rest in Peace you lovely lady.

    By Paul Gibson (09/06/2021)
  • I am so sorry to hear this. She was a lovely lady. I went on several walks with her and she also took me around where she and her family home used to be which is now Victoria Park. She was so interesting and knew so much history. Such sad news.

    By Helen Painter (09/06/2021)
  • I’ve been on this site since 2011. In the early days Nina was the one most active, naming all the people on the LHR 1958 photo was our favourite activity. Don’t think we ever got them all. Nina was our Miss Marple, never giving up until she had tracked all the clues down about some aspect of Laindon. I never got to meet Nina but she will always be a legend to me. May she rest peacefully.

    By Richard Haines (08/06/2021)
  • Sad to hear of Nina’s passing. I loved her memories of old Laindon, both by talking to her and on the website, she will be a hard act to follow.

    By Peter Hayden (03/06/2021)
  • I have just heard of Nina’s passing, I feel numb.
    She was an amazing lady and her knowledge was second to none.
    My thoughts go to Colin and his family,
    THANK YOU NINA for all you gave to our website and our memories
    Ellen English

    By Ellen English (03/06/2021)
  • I’m so sorry to hear about the passing of Nina, she helped so many people. The world will be a poorer place without her.RIP

    By Jeff footer (03/06/2021)
  • Nina was my dad’s (Jim Burton) cousin. She helped me immensely when I started out tracing my family tree. Her knowledge and memory were second to none. She put names to photos and details to stories. I’ll really miss her and her fountain of knowledge. My condolences to Colin, Michelle and Mark and all her extended family. Xx

    By Deborah Ridley (02/06/2021)
  • So sad to hear this,deepest sympathy to the Humphrey family. Will be sadly missed on this site.

    By ERIC PASCO (02/06/2021)
  • RIP Nina

    By David MacDonald (31/05/2021)

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