ANGELA Macdivitt, better known to many as Haslemere’s ‘post office lady’, has died aged 68.
Mrs Macdivitt worked as a legal secretary before making the switch to become one of the most familiar faces in the town by becoming a part-time clerk at the West Street Post Office in the 1990s.
She enjoyed the work and following several temporary managers’ attempts to run the office, she was asked to step into the breach remaining as post mistress for nine years, before she had to step down in 2002 after illness.
Mr Macdivitt said: “Angela had a professional attitude to the accountancy part of the business but became well-known for her eccentric ways and wacky sense of humour. Nobody ever got away with bringing a dog to the post office without her having to go out and visit it.
“She was unflappable when it came to short staffing and high workload and soon put down those who tried to raise a revolution in the queue.
“Her unofficial title ‘The Post Office Lady’, came about through constantly hearing the phrase ‘There goes the Post Office lady’.
She remembered hearing it as far afield as Hastings, Portsmouth, Chelsea Flower Show and even in Newcastle.
Roger added: “Everyone is so very sad to hear of her death. We couldn’t go anywhere in town without Angela being recognised and everyone who knew her also knew her dog, Lulu.
“An increasingly intrusive illness forced her to retire, which she found difficult as she was used to being in contact with so many local people.”
Although she shook off the major part of the illness it led to a decreased mobility. In March 2016, Angela was diagnosed with a gynaecological illness requiring chemotherapy treatment, which failed to restrict the spread of the cancer.
Her husband said: “She remained cheerful throughout the treatment and was told she was a joy to nurse.”
Mrs Macdivitt also leaves two daughters and four grandchildren. A private service is being held at Midhurst Parish Church but all her friends are invited to a memorial at Fernhurst Village Hall, on Tuesday, December 6, from 6.30- 7.45pm. A private celebration will be held from 8pm for invited guests.
Contributions can be made to GRACE Charity at www.grace-charity.org.uk