Alison Wilcocks (19 Apr 1945 - 22 Nov 2020)

In loving memory of Alison Wilcocks who sadly passed away on 22nd November 2020, aged 75 years.

She will be greatly missed by her much loved family;
Bob, Sally, Claire, Rob, Chester and all who knew her.

Donations in memory of Alison to
Cancer Research UK (Alison specified this charity specifically).
and
Macmillan Cancer Support (the family have added this due to their amazing support throughout the last few weeks of Alison's life)
can be made via this page

or can be sent c/o
J. Lawrence & Sons (Undertakers) Ltd.
17, St. Denys Road, Portswood,
Southampton.
SO17 2GN

Alison was born Frances Alison Wilcocks on 19th April 1945 in Exmouth, Devon, daughter of Cliff and Albina Light. Shortly after she moved to the Isle of Wight to be closer to immediate family. She was always known as Alison. She lived in Ryde and then moved to Orchard Road in East Cowes. She attended The Convent in East Cowes before moving to Ward Avenue Secondary School. During this time, she was close friends with Sue, Sue and Ruth. Sue became her best friend, a friendship that lasted for a lifetime. On leaving school she worked in the power station. The years spent in East Cowes were highly entertaining as she borrowed small boats to travel to and from East and West Cowes. Alison maintained her Isle of Wight friendships throughout her life, regularly visiting and having to be picked up from the boat after consuming ‘a little bit’ of alcohol.
Alison then moved to London where she worked as a secretary before moving to Germany with Matilda to work in a hotel. She returned two years later and settled in Southampton in the YMCA with Sue and others. She worked in Owen Owen department store and Southampton General Hospital.
Whilst working at the General Alison met Bob on a drunken night at the Top Rank. He lost the bet and ended up with Alison. They did not see each other for a while as Alison’s brother Clifford passed away and they lost contact. They met up again a few months later and began dating. On 11th September 1971 Alison and Bob married in East Cowes. They moved to Claremont Crescent in Regents Park. Her friendships that were created in Regents Park proved to be lifelong. They enjoyed a few years of cricket, football and family social gatherings before the arrival of Sally in 1974. In 1976, their family was complete with the arrival of Claire. Alison continued to work in the evenings at the General Hospital, leaving Bob to look after the children in the evening.
Alison quickly created good friendships with others in the street and at her work. She was a regular visitor at Calmore Cricket Club, making the cricket teas as Bob played. She enjoyed many social evenings and was even carried home once by Bob over his shoulder whilst Sally was in the cricket bag.
She worked for a short time at Hill College in the administration area before moving to Hampshire County Cricket Club in Northlands Road. She was secretary to Tony Baker, Chief Executive and moved with him to the Rose Bowl in West End. During this time Alison found houses for many international cricketers (including Shane Warne, Matt Hayden and Heath Streak) and was always looking to ensure that they were comfortable and looked after. When she retired, she took up several hobbies including singing, Pilates, supporting friends with their businesses, supporting the Alzheimer’s Society, taking care of her father in law Bob and cooking for her family on a Sunday. She even went travelling for 3 months to New Zealand and Australia.
In the final years, Alison enjoyed holidays away with Bob, Barry and Shelia. She was often found walking or at the golf club drinking coffee with her family. She enjoyed walking the dogs (Max and Stanley) and became fondly known as the ‘Food Lady’ as she constantly fed them. To her delight, she became a Nanna three years ago with the joyful arrival of Chester.
Alison showed strength of character throughout her whole life. She was stubborn yet kind and nurturing, always being there for those who were in need. She was generous and supportive, putting others before herself to the very end. Her sense of humour and smile were infectious, and she maintained this up until her last words. She will be greatly missed by everyone, but her legacy will live on.