Americana dealer Debbie Spiecker, 64, died on November 5 after a 13-year battle with breast cancer. Debbie is survived by her loving husband, George, three children and their spouses, and nine grandchildren.
Longtime collectors, the Spieckers established their antiques business, Fine Americana, in 1978 in Overland Park, Kan., when George and Debbie let a love for early Americana become a way of life. Always dealing in Eighteenth Century unrestored Chippendale and Queen Anne American furniture, nautical, accessories, weathervanes and paintings, the couple exhibited at the early Heart of Country Shows to the major Midwest shows.
When the couple’s children finished school, they moved to New England and did major Americana shows like Hartford, Wilton, Baltimore, Brandywine, Stella Armory and Smith Folk Art in New York City, New Hampshire-Gaglio, Philadelphia-Gaglio, and the Antiques Dealers’ Association shows. Their North Hampton gallery opened in 1996.
Kathy Schoemer, past president of New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association, said, “Debbie was a valiant and courageous woman and a wonderful wife and mother. She always shared George’s enthusiasm and work in the antiques business. My heart goes out to him.”
Services took place at Saint Theresa Church in Rye Beach, N.H., November 9. Memorial donations may be made to Small but Mighty Kids, PO Box 40, North Hampton, NH 03862.
