Oldham 'icon' Sheila Casson passes away

Sheila Casson FICT FIPS JP - an icon of Oldham and former Prinicipal and owner of Casson’s Commercial College - has died.

Sheila - who passed away peacefully on June 28 - first studied at Oldham College of Commerce at the age of 16, before later working as secretary/PA to director Denis Ferranti at Hollinwood.

Her incredible life also included teaching at Hilton’s commercial college in Oldham and being the first Miss Oldham at aged 17 in 1953 - that was three years before she got married at St Mary’s RC Church.

Sheila had three daughters, five grandsons, great grandchildren and was a great great grandma.

Sheila taught shorthand at home before opening up her first college in premises on Barker Street in Oldham, before later moving to larger premises on Greaves Street.

She was on the Oldham Carnival Committee for many years and supported many other charities, and was appointed a Magistrate.

She was a member of Oldham Soroptimists, and after obtaining a government training contract, Sheila went on to train so many on this scheme whilst also carrying on with private students.

She kept fees low so all could access and trained many blind students to touch type.

Many of her students ended up in top secretarial jobs in law, hospitals, government and many Oldham businesses.

She went to Poland when they were starting similar schemes to speak about how it was being done here in the UK.

Much-loved Sheila was also well known in the fashion world locally, owning a ladies and gents outfitters in St Peter’s precinct for a number of years.

She organised many fashion shows for various charity events.

Sheila retired to Thornton Cleveleys in 2000 after the untimely death of her husband John Albert at the age of just 62.

She took ill in March of this year and was hospitalised.

Unfortunately doctors were unable to operate and so the family collectively decided to take her home where she passed peacefully in her sleep.

The family wish to thank Trinity Hospice at home and Marie Curie nurses, and the GPs and district nurses who cared for Sheila in the final months at home. 

Sheila's funeral will take place on Friday, July 19, at 11am at St Aiden and Oswalds RC Church on Vaughan Street in Royton, OL2 5DL.

The burial will take place at Greenacres Cemetery, and the wake afterwards at the Oldham Athletic Events Centre.

Sheila wanted everyone to be in bright clothes and all are welcome to join the family afterwards at the OAFC events centre.

If possible, please let the family know if you plan on attending, for catering numbers.

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