Rectory Lane Cemetery, Berkhamsted

Amy was born in 1866 in Berkhamsted, to Emma and James Rance.  Her father was a carter for a wood dealer.

In 1871  Amy was living with her parents, her grandmother  Eliza Pitkin, and siblings Sarah, Tryphenia, James, Agnes, Carry and Caroline.

By 1881 she was still with her parents and three additional siblings Racheal, Ada and Annie. Sarah, Agnes and Amy were straw plaiters.

In January 1887 she married Herbert Dean in Berkhamsted.

By 1891 they were living in Highfield Road Berkhamsted, with their two daughters, Ada born in 1887 and Daisy born in 1890.

In 1901 the family had increased and they were now living in Holliday Street, with three sons, William, Herbert and Joseph. Amy’s husband Herbert died on 2nd January 1909.

In 1911 we find the family living in Berkhamsted, census records their address as 14 Grand Park but this could be Gravel Path. Amy was head of the household, no occupation showing. Ada and Daisy were both coat turners. William was labelling in a Chemical works and Herbert letter pressing in a Chemical Works.  Joseph, Albert and Amy were still at school.

In September 1916 William James was killed in action in France, he was 23 yrs old.

In 1939 Amy is still living in Berkhamsted, with Amy and William Rance. William’s occupation is given as chauffeur/gardener.

Amy died in 1941 and was buried with her husband Hertbert and son William James. The inscription reads:

In loving memory of Herbert died Jan 2nd 1909 aged 42. William Dean killed in action Sept 8 1916 aged 23. Amy Dean died Feb 21 1941 aged 75