Mrs. Oldcroft, formerly of Colehill Crescent, Enniskillen, passed away peacefully at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH) on Saturday, May 24.
On Tuesday, a heartfelt Service of Thanksgiving was held at Rossorry Parish Church, where mourners remembered Mrs. Oldcroft’s huge contribution to the local community.
A dedicated volunteer throughout her life, Mrs. Oldcroft was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in 2017 for her voluntary service.
“Mum spent almost all her adult life in volunteering roles,” said her son, Charlie Oldcroft, addressing those in attendance.
“In her teens, Mum was involved in the 1st Inniskillen Guides, and it was through a friend she met there that, she was asked if she’d be interested in joining the 1st Inniskillen Wolf Cubs as a leader.
“She stayed with the Wolf Cubs for five years before going on to become Akela of Rossorry Cub Scouts.
“She did that for 15 years, during which she received the Long Service Award for Scouting.
“Mum made a lot of lifelong friends in Scouting, and many of her former Scout leaders and Scouts have paid some lovely tributes to her over the past few days. She made such a positive impact on so many young lives.”
During her working life, Mrs. Oldcroft balanced volunteering with a number of jobs, including in a nylon factory, a café on Townhall Street, and Hanna’s Toyshop.
She met many people through both her employment and voluntary work, and her service to the community continued when she retired.
“Mum retired from work and from Scouting in 1999, and with her husband, Charlie, went on to form the Rossorry Wednesday Club for over-50s and senior citizens,” he said.
“This was something she put her heart and soul into. She liked to keep busy and was always working on or making something for the club.
“The club started with 14 members and steadily grew over the years to around 50. It has had some amazing adventures, and everything was so meticulously planned by mum, with guest speakers, craft work, day trips and many good times.
“The club celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, with Mum serving as chairperson for the past 20 years. It is part of Mum’s legacy, and I hope it will continue.”
Mrs. Oldcroft was also closely involved with the Coleshill Community Association as secretary, and was also a secretary of both the Coleshill Senior Citizens Group and the West End Partnership.
For several years, she also served as a committee member of the South West Area Partnership, advocating for older people across Fermanagh and Omagh.
Indeed, her efforts did not go unnoticed.
Mr. Oldcroft explained: “In 2015, Mum received the Fermanagh Trust Community Hero Award for her community work, and in 2017 she was awarded a British Empire Medal (BEM) for her ‘hands-on’ voluntary service in the community.
“Two years ago to the day, mum proudly wore her BEM when she met and spoke with the King and Queen at Enniskillen Castle.”
Mr Oldcroft summed up his late mother as “a remarkable woman” who “left a legacy of kindness”.
“Mum was, without doubt, a remarkable woman whose quiet strength and tireless spirit touched so many people,” he said.
“She never sought the spotlight, yet her decades of dedication made her truly stand out.
“Mum gave of herself generously and wholeheartedly. She built connections, fostered community, and left a legacy of kindness and service.
“The world was a better place with Mum in it.”
Mrs. Oldcroft was a devoted wife to Charlie, and a much-loved mother of Charles (Mabel), Kim (Mark), and Janet.
She was also a dearly loved grandmother to Nicola (Bobby), the late Christopher, Adam (Leah), Stacey (the late Nigel), Kyle, Ian, Kerri, Emma, Thomas and the late Alex; a cherished great-grandmother; and a beloved sister of Nelson and the late Joe and Stewart.
