Tributes to former Gravesham Mayor, Pat Oakeshott
10:57, 21 January 2021
updated: 14:41, 21 January 2021
A former Mayor and dedicated public servant has passed away, aged 90.
Grandmother-of-five Patricia Oakeshott served the people of Gravesend and Higham selflessly for more than 30 years.
She passed peacefully in her sleep on Monday, January 11.
Born in Oldham, Lancashire, Pat, as she was known, trained as a nurse in London and spent most of her adult life in North Kent.
Following the death of her husband, Trinity House pilot Captain Arthur Oakeshott, Pat dedicated herself to the well-being of the citizens of Higham and Gravesend.
The mum-of-three was appointed Mayor of the Borough of Gravesham in 2007 and she worked tirelessly for the good of the community in both her civic duties and her charitable interests.
Cllr John Burden, the leader of Gravesham council, said: “It was with great sadness that we learned of the death of Pat Oakeshott.
“Pat served the people of Gravesend selflessly for more than 30 years and fully deserved the honour of being declared a Freeman of the Borough.
“On behalf of all those councillors who served alongside her and of all the officers who worked with her, I send our condolences to her family."
In a tribute by Gravesham council, Pat was described as a "true Gravesendian who worked hard to represent her constituents, with a particular interest in the welfare of older people."
The great-grandmother was made a Freeman of the Borough in 2014, the highest award the council can bestow, in recognition of her community work which included volunteering at the library and taking books to the housebound and disabled residents in the town.
But she was devoted to her family. Pat's daughter, Gail Cornish, said: "My mum was always happiest when she was with her family.
"She was an amazing woman. I remember her working really hard to get a mortgage as my dad was away at sea training to become a captain.
"After he passed, she decided to dedicate herself to the community."
Pat was not only the Mayor of Gravesham, but also a Higham Parish Councillor for more than 30 years.
Gail said: "She cared for me, my older sister Vicki and my older brother Mark so much.
"Her idea of bringing us up was to make us independent; she taught us to serve our community."
Pat was a strong believer in charity work and dedicated her time to fundraising for the ellenor hospice.
Gail said: "Pat loved people to come and see her and hosted many charity events.
"She would always be making jam, she made tonnes of it. I don't think it would be an exaggeration to say she made more than 1,000 jars!
"It would always be in aid of the ellenor, or another community fundraising event.
"She made the best strawberry jam. I might be a little bit biased though."
In her online biography when she was made a Freeman, Pat said her interests included watching cricket and flower arranging. Having helped to start the Gravesend Floral Art Society in the 1960s, she had arranged flowers in many locations including Westminster Abbey, St Paul’s Cathedral and Walmer Castle plus many Kent churches. After 40 years, she was still arranging flowers in Chalk church.
Pat's family added: "Our Mum was not simply a great mother and grandmother, but left a lasting legacy to the Borough of Gravesham and the people of Higham through her civil duties and many charitable interests.
"We miss her greatly but are very proud of her achievements."
Pat leaves three children - Gail Cornish, Vicki Taylor and Mark Oakeshott - as well as five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
You can make donations in Pat's memory to ellenor hospice here.
Did you know Pat Oakeshott? You are invited to leave your tributes below.
