Tribute to Noeleen McCluskey
Noeleen, born on Christmas Eve 1932, grew up in Cumbria with her siblings. Her father, a farmworker, eventually bought his own farm. She recalled tough winters, long school walks, and digging sheep out of the snow.
She trained as a nurse and midwife in Edinburgh and returned to the Lake District to work at Whitehaven Hospital, where she met and married Michael McCluskey in 1958. They had two children, Joan and Michael, but Joan’s illness severely affected her abilities. In 1966, they moved to Kibworth, where Noeleen became the village District Nurse and Midwife. She was issued with a Ford Prefect car so she could visit patients in neighbouring villages.
Noeleen loved working in the community, getting to know families and patients, unlike in hospitals, where nurses only knew patients briefly. In Kibworth, many women gave birth at home, but eventually most went to hospital, so Noeleen gave up midwifery to work as a District Nurse with local doctors.
She spent the last 20 years of her career as a dispenser at the surgery, always arriving first. She retired in her late 60s.
Noeleen’s Hobbies
Noeleen and Michael cycled around the Langtons after work and continued into retirement. They took up karate in the ’70s and introduced their son David to the sport, who excelled.
Noeleen joined the local U3A, helping with teas and playing table tennis into her late 80s. She also loved bridge and belonged to several groups, including one run by Mary Ireland. Her last game with the U3A group was a few days before she died.
She was very involved with St Wilfrid’s church, serving in the choir, Mother’s Union, and as deputy Churchwarden. She also cleaned the brasses and did the flowers in church, especially the Lady Chapel window. It was HER window.
Noeleen enjoyed wildlife, feeding the birds in her garden and wearing sweatshirts with animals. She’ll be missed by many.
A Ghost Story
