Anne Gandy MBE, from Walton, was remembered as “a wonderful spirit and full of fun”
20:33, 16 Mar 2026Updated 20:37, 16 Mar 2026
Anne Gandy MBE, from Walton, has died aged 98(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
A “truly remarkable” woman who dedicated decades to supporting young people in her community has died at the age of 98. Anne Gandy MBE, affectionately known to many as ‘Auntie Anne’, died on Mother’s Day, March 15. The Walton nan was widely known in her community for her lifelong volunteer work and her love of the dancefloor at Bongo’s Bingo.
A mum of four, nan of seven and great-grandmother of four, Anne spent decades working with young people in Walton. In recognition of her contribution to the community she was awarded an MBE in 2007.
Announcing the news on Anne’s official Instagram page, her granddaughter Sarah Pitman said: “It is with great sadness that I have to announce the passing of my nan Anne Gandy MBE, legend to the very end.”
St Mary’s Church also paid tribute, describing Anne as “a legend in our church and our community”.
The church said: “It is with much sadness that we have to inform you of the passing of Anne Gandy MBE yesterday, March 15. Anne was a legend in our church and our community. She will be greatly missed.”
Anne on stage at Bongo’s Bingo(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Anne was born in Everton before moving to Walton with her family at the age of nine, where she lived for the rest of her life. Known for her boundless energy, she remained active well into later life and often said the idea of retiring never appealed to her.
In 1970 she began helping to look after children at a playgroup based at the Walton Youth Centre on Heathcote Road. Over the following decades she cared for generations of local youngsters.
From 1990 onwards, she also welcomed international students as a host mother for those studying at the Liverpool School of English.
Speaking previously about receiving her MBE, Anne admitted she had little idea what the letters meant. She said: “I didn’t know what it was and asked the rector to look at it. He said, ‘You’ve got an MBE!’ I said, ‘What for?'”
Anne also became something of a local celebrity thanks to her love of Bongo’s Bingo, where she was often seen dancing to her favourite songs including Blanket on the Ground by Billie Jo Spears and Shotgun by George Ezra.
Anne Gandy at Bongo’s Bingo
The event’s creator, Jonny Bongo, once arranged a private limousine to take her from Walton to one of the shows.
Following news of her death, tributes flooded in from those who knew her.
Jonny Bongo wrote: “So sad to hear of the passing of the absolute legend Anne Gandy MBE. I first met Anne when she came to her first bingo for her 90th birthday. She was such an inspiration on how to live life to the full, we have had such great craic with her over the years. When she took to the stage at every show she came to, she would always the biggest cheer of the night.
“My thoughts and condolences to all of her family and friends. Love you Anne.”
Others shared memories of Anne’s decades of work with children in the area and her warm personality.
Anne Gandy was a local legend(Image: Andrew Teebay Liverpool Echo)
Christine McGlinchey said: “A wonderful lady loved by everyone. She ran the youth club back in the 70s which I attended. My grandchildren went to a playgroup she still helped at around two years ago.”
Rita Lacey wrote: “Mothering Sunday seems appropriate, as she was ‘Mum’ to so many. Thinking of her family, and many friends. There will never be another Anne Gandy.”
Katie Roberts added: “I’m going to miss walking past your house and you sat on your chair waving to us. Always had time for everybody. You will be missed.”
Lynne Cook said: “Anne was such a character who loved all the children she looked after, including two of my daughters who attended her playschool in Heathcote Road.”
Lucie Sainsbury added: “Heaven has gained an angel. Lovely memories of Anne, such a wonderful spirit and full of fun.”