Winter News 2012
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Obituary – Cecilia “Cissie” O’Shea – (21/04/1918 – 19/12/2011)
Posted on: 10th February 2012
When Cecilia “Cissie” O’Shea’s left school at age fourteen she could hardly have known of the pivotal role she would play in the development of a national charity, Elizabeth FitzRoy Support.
Like many young woman of her era, Cissie’s local parish priest recommended her into a position, and so she began her seventy-nine year connection with Donec, a children’s home in the village of Grayshott, near Hindhead on the Surrey/Hampshire border.
Cissie was trained by a forward-thinking Matron who trained Cissie in the ways of running a home efficiently but with love and compassion. Thirty years on, Matron retired and put Donec up for sale, and Cissie met Elizabeth FitzRoy.
In the 1960’s carers for the ‘handicapped’ faced stark choices – social stigma and limited support, or a life-time of institutional care in psychiatric facilities. Elizabeth’s vision was for a normal, loving home-life, influenced by her own experiences of caring for her Down’s syndrome son, Michael. Donec encapsulated this approach, and Elizabeth purchased the home in 1962, little imaging that with the building, situation and existing residents who needed ongoing care, she would also meet Cissie.
Cissie’s evident love and compassion for the children in her care combined with the no-nonsense, common sense approach, was just what Elizabeth needed. Cissie became Elizabeth’s right hand woman, supporting Elizabeth personally and professionally with developing the FitzRoy ethos and approach.
Cissie spent all her working life at the home, devoted to those she cared for – her passion and commitment never waned. Long after she retired from Donec, aged seventy, she continued to be a welcome visitor, friend and confidant to residents, their families and the Donec staff team.
Cissie spent her whole life in the village of Grayshott, on the Surrey/Hampshire border. She was married to Eugene, but was widowed at a young age and never remarried or had children. She is survived by her brother, John Henry Gilbert and nephews John Gilbert, Bernard Murray, Michael Murray, Gerald Kemp and Nieces Ann Finch, Angela Whistlery and Cristine Anstey.
Cissie died, age 93, in December 2011. Recently, her surviving family, friends, past and present Donec staff and residents, trustees, and the wider local community gathered to remember Cissie, her remarkable life, and achievements.
Enthusiasm for the charity Cissie was so pivotal in starting remains strong in the local community, and the charity, now in its 50th year, supports over 500 adults with learning disabilities across fifty locations in England. In commemorating Cissie’s life, the Charity are grateful for the most fantastic legacy of all – her spirit and commitment – which will live with us for many years to come.
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CALLING ALL OZZY FANS! Silent Auction Results
Posted on: 25th January 2012
The silent auction which offered a signed photo of Ozzy Osbourne has been won by Mrs Jo Belsten from Hickling.
The proceeds will go towards the conservatory appeal at our home in Stalham.
Penny Camish from this service would like to thank everyone who sent in a bid to support this fundraising appeal.
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