Kathleen Whiteley, formerly of Buttermere Drive, Oswaldtwistle, sadly passed away at the Royal Blackburn Hospital on June 18th, aged 86.

Growing up at the top of Lodge Street and Water Street, she attended Peel Park School and Cambridge Street Methodists, while preferring to play cricket with the local boys and later supporting Stanley when they played around the corner. She went on to Accrington High School, but left as soon as she was able in order to earn money to help support her mother and grandmother.

Kathleen met her husband Jim through amateur dramatics and they married in 1959; they had two sons in the following years. Kathleen and Jim worked long hours together building Jim’s shoe repairing business in Whalley Road, Accrington and later their shoe shop opposite the Town Hall in Oswaldtwistle. Jim passed away in 2004.

Kathleen went on to work as bookkeeper for a number of small local businesses, as well as for her sons’ IT consultancy practices. She liked to support the local community, most recently by handling bookings for the Community Centre on Harvey Street, Oswaldtwistle. She also enjoyed walking and participating in a local book group. 

Bouts of ill-health brought a halt to much of this activity, particularly after two hip operations last year. Independent and proud to the end, but now unable to get out and about, she spent her last few months being looked after firstly at home and then in a care home, much to her annoyance. Thanks are due to her carers and the team at Pendle Brook Care Home in Oswaldtwistle for their care, support and forbearance during that time.

Kathleen leaves sons Alan and David, son-in-law Andrew and many dear neighbours and friends, all of whom miss her.