TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman once a director of one of Andover’s biggest employers following her death.

Susan Wiseman, who assisted her husband Jeffrey to run Ducal, the Furniture People, died on May 20 aged 79 in hospital and her funeral in London took place shortly afterwards.

The couple first came to Andover with their business in 1983, employing 18 people, but later became the largest employer in the town.

The company was initially based in London, but the pair decided on a move to the Walworth Industrial Estate and expanded to a number of units.

Remembering his wife, Jeffrey said she was a “wonderful organiser” and during their time together she joined him on trips selling furniture abroad.

And her passion helped ensure that at one point Ducal became Britain’s largest exporter of furniture to Japan.

Jeffrey recalls one memorable trip to the country at the Tokyo Exhibition when a well-dressed Japanese man came to the stand but Jeffrey was unable to see him and asked if he could return the next day.

The following afternoon he returned and was greeted by Susan, and the conversation played out:

“Konichiwa,” she smiled, “may I help you?”

“I wish to see Mr Wiseman”, came the reply.

“I’m very sorry, he’s busy at the moment. Perhaps I can help you?”

His response was short, and to the point. “No. I wish to see the boss.”

“The boss? The boss?” she repeated, slowly, “I’m the boss”.

“And when push came to shove, of course, she was,” Jeffrey said in tribute.

Jeffrey left the business in 2000, joining his wife in retirement and handed over to the new owners Silentnight.

However, in 2003 the company shut its doors and the town was dealt a hammer blow with the loss of 550 manufacturing jobs.

Jeffrey said: “Unfortunately that was the last thing I had hoped - the people who worked at Ducal were my family.”

Susan was born in Austria in 1938 and because of the Second World War she was brought up by her grandparents on their farm.

On the farm she developed her love of nature and, in later life, she was never happier than being outdoors with her grandchildren, teaching them the names of trees, plants and butterflies.

After a brilliant school career, she moved to Switzerland, working as a carer for children and the elderly.

Susan then studied hotel management, before coming to London to add English to her many languages, and there she met Jeffrey.

The couple met at a swimming pool in Finchley and Jeffrey said he “met a beautiful young lady who listened” and their relationship developed following that initial meeting.

Later, they bought their cottage in Longparish, where they spent many happy times.

Whilst they were in the village the couple used to attend events at the hall and also supported schools in the area including Icknield School.

But Susan was not only known for her business acumen she was also a “wonderful host” and cook and enjoyed time in the garden.

“My wife used to do the hospitality for training days for staff and when people from other companies used to visit,” said Jeffrey, who was married to Susan for over 50 years.

He added that they used to also visit the Far East for business and Susan was the “best packer of a suitcase” that he had ever seen.

Sadly Susan was struck by cancer and for more than five years she battled through chemotherapy, radiotherapy, operations and infections, and months at a time of hospitalisation.

“She was so determined and brave, never knowing what each day might bring,” Jeffrey said.

He added that Susan was the “most-loving wife, mother to her sons, James and Simon, and grandmother to her adored Hannah, Sam and Max, and will be missed so much.”