Hundreds of tributes have poured in for a woman who spent her working life at one of Borehamwood's most historic and popular eateries and tobacconist.

On April 11, Mary Hanson, formerly of Hanson's in Shenley Road, died at the age of 87.

Miss Hanson is fondly remembered and widely known for her role in her family's business in Borehamwood town centre.

Hanson & Maude, now Starbucks, was the place to go for all things sweet, in particular for the delicious ice cream.

At the front, it was a newsagent and out at the back, it was a tearoom where Miss Hanson worked tirelessly in the kitchen making her famous pastry for the sausage rolls and pastries.

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The food was a hit for everyone living in the town but film stars and TV stars loved it too, including Sophia Loren and Clark Gable who visited, as well as the cast of EastEnders who would stop by for a spot of lunch.

Hanson's was a proper family business, set up by Bert Hanson and his wife Elsie in the early 1930s.

Mr Hanson had won a sweepstake while up in Huddersfield, and with his new-found wealth, he came south, to Borehamwood, and set up Hanson's on the site of the former Starke sweetshop and tobacconist.

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Elsie and Bert Hanson

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Pictured is H.Starke shop before it became Hanson's

For nearly 70 years, the business flourished, open 365 years a day, including on Christmas Day.

And Miss Hanson was involved in the business from the age of eight up, and with her brother John, took on much of the responsibility after their mum Elsie passed away, before the business closed in 2001.

After Miss Hanson's death was announced, hundreds of people on Facebook have been reminiscing about their visits to Hanson's.

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In 1954, the teamroom, pictured, expanded, and was a huge favourite in Borehamwood

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Keystone Passage, Borehamwood. Hanson's is on the right. Pictured in the 90s after a garden wall had been demolished

Marina Sawyer said she would visit after her ballet class every Saturday with her mother. She would order an ice-cream soda and a ham sandwich and sit and eat it in the tearoom.

"It was a fantastic place with so many heartwarming memories", Ms Sawyer recalled.

Miss Hanson, who lived above the Hanson's shop before moving to Tennison Avenue, has always been a stalwart in the Borehamwood community.

She was a member of Elstree & Borehamwood Rotary Club and volunteered with the Borehamwood History Society, later becoming Elstree & Borehamwood Museum.

Clive Butchins, chairman of trustees at the museum, said: "Mary was a much loved member of the Borehamwood community and widely respected for her extensive knowledge of local history. "She was a founder and stalwart of the Borehamwood History Society, now the Elstree & Borehamwood Museum, and a valuable member of the team of volunteers, for which we are all most grateful. She will be greatly missed."

Miss Hanson was also an active Guide at St Albans Abbey for many years.

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Mary Hanson, pictured as a little girl, with Dorothy 'Dobbles' Reeves who used to look after her.

Miss Hanson never married and she did not have any children but she was adored by her family and spent much of her time with her nephews and nieces, taking them on trips across England during the holidays. She would also love to see her great nieces and nephews.

David Hanson, Mary's nephew, said on behalf of the Hanson family: "One of Mary's serious passions was travel and for many years she would visit Rotary Friends in the US as well as explore historic sites around Europe and the Middle East. Mary knew a lot about many historic topics and was a huge source of knowledge for the community as well as her family.

"Her extended family will miss Mary very much. We’ve been touched by the notes on social media remembering Mary and the Hanson's shop.

"These notes are a wonderful source of comfort to John and his family in these difficult times. Thank you to all who have taken the time to post."