Loving tributes paid to nan hailed a 'Middlewich diamond'

Joan Oakes has died aged 95 following a short illness.

Her family has been overwhelmed with hundreds of touching messages on social media.

The much-loved lady worked at Taylor’s newsagents for 33 years.

Before that she was an usherette at The Alhambra and also worked at Meadow Dairy.

Granddaughter Jenny Hatton said: “She was known by so many people working at the iconic newsagents on Wheelock Street run by Reg and his son Keith.

“Lots of paper boys have been in touch describing her as a lovely lady who was always smiling.

“She only retired at 70 because the shop was closing.

“She worked for another 20 years as a volunteer at the Cancer Research shop. She was awarded four badges for long service and only left when she was 90.”

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The local community has described her as a ‘Middlewich diamond’ who ‘touched the lives of many people’.

Cardiff-born Joan moved to Middlewich after marrying her first husband Bill in 1946.

She had two children Robert and Sandra, who recalls a happy childhood and a lovely relationship with her parents.

The family enjoyed many holidays to the seaside including Llandudno, Cornwall and Pwllheli.

Tragically, her son Robert died in a motorbike accident when he was only 17.

“The family never got over it,” said Jenny. “They had to have strength and determination to support each other.”

Joan and Bill lived in Webbs Lane for more than 30 years until Bill sadly died in 1976.

Joan continued to work where was introduced to Tom Oakes, a widower, who became her second husband.

The couple enjoyed many holidays abroad to Canada and Italy.

“Their garden at Long Lane was immaculate, bowling green standard and full of beautiful flowers,” said Jenny.

Joan loved dancing and music and played the piano accordian at Elworth Legion.

“She was really good at it,” said Jenny. “She taught herself and played by ear.”

Sadly, she lost Tom when he died in 2003.

“They had spent many happy years together,” said Jenny.

“Joan, being the strong woman she had always been, just kept busy with her family and work.

“She was completely and utterly devoted to her grandchildren.

“For me she was a nan in a million.”

Joan has four grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.

Friends and family are invited to wear colourful clothes to say goodbye to this special lady.

“Her funeral will be a celebration of a long life, a devoted head of the family and an all round wonderful lady to many,” said Jenny.

Joan’s funeral is being held at 1.45pm on Tuesday, August 16 at Crewe Crematorium followed by a gathering at Middlewich Football Club.

Donations can be made to St Luke’s Hospice.