Deirdre Anne Cresswell (16 May 1937 - 12 Nov 2024)

In loving memory of Deirdre Anne Cresswell, who passed away peacefully at her home in Farnsfield on 12th November 2024.

Beloved wife to Michael, treasured mother to Michelle, adored grandmother to Fintan, Rowena and Odhran and dear mother-in-law to Martin. Deeply missed by her brother Francis, sisters Josephine and Dolores and her wonderful friends and neighbours.

A requiem mass will be held at Our Lady of Victories Roman Catholic Church, Southwell, on Thursday 12th December 2024 at 11am. Committal to follow at St Michael's Churchyard in Farnsfield.

Mourners are welcome to bring flowers, or donations in lieu will benefit the Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust and Leukaemia UK.

Following the service, all are welcome for light refreshment at the Saracens Head Hotel, Market Place, Southwell NG25 0HE.

Deirdre was born in Castleblayney, Co Monaghan to Thomas and Agatha Harrison where she enjoyed a happy childhood with her siblings and an excellent education at the Convent School. Dance, recitals and choir were among her many hobbies.

In 1955 she moved to Mansfield to train as a State Registered Nurse at The General and Kingsmill Hospitals. Following qualification, she worked for several years as a Staff Nurse before becoming the District Nurse for Rainworth in 1964. This was a role she enjoyed greatly, caring for her patients in Rainworth and the surrounding villages.

In 1976, Deirdre trained as a Health Visitor at Nottingham Trent University and on completion of this, became a Health Visitor in Mansfield Woodhouse, a role she enjoyed immensely for over fifteen years. Later in her career, Deirdre became Acting Area Nursing Officer for North Nottinghamshire and then returned to the role of Health visitor in Newark until her retirement. Deirdre was lucky to work with wonderful colleagues throughout her career who she always remembered fondly. By the end of her career, she had worked for the National Health Service for over forty years for which she received recognition.

Deirdre enjoyed a long, fulfilling and happy life. She was passionate about wildlife, birds and nature and a member of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust. She especially loved spending time with her loving family, Michael, her husband of 62 years, her daughter Michelle and grandchildren, Fintan, Rowena and Odhran. Times spent with her dear sisters were also treasured. Deirdre spent many family holidays in Hayling island, Devon, Cornwall and France and travelled extensively during trips across Canada and America including the famous Route 66, and exploring the great plains of Wyoming, South Dakota and Montana. She was a frequent visitor to Ireland, particularly in her retirement and spent many wonderful times visiting and exploring around with her family who live there.

Deirdre will be remembered for her kind and compassionate nature, who cared greatly for everyone in her life. She will be greatly missed and remain with us always in happy memories.