Everyone at Ulster Hockey is saddened to hear about the passing of former President Mirdza Oak at the age of 101.
During her time in the sport, she held several roles at club, provincial and national level such as the following:
- Honorary Treasurer of Knock HC from 1973 – 77
- Treasurer of the Umpire’s Association from 1983 – 1990
- Club President of Knock HC 1985 – 87
- President of UWHU 1985 – 87
- Irish Treasurer in 1985
Ulster Hockey LTD staff sends their condolences to all the family and friends of Mirdza at this time.
Following her passing, the Oak family have released the following statement:
First of all can I on behalf of the family thank you for joining with us this morning to celebrate and remember a dear sister and aunt – Mirdza Oak
If she was here now Auntie Minnie would be saying – ” sit down Gail no one wants to hear about me” The family were very proud of this wonderful lady and all she achieved in her long life so sorry Auntie Minnie but it is only right that I say a few words about you.
Mirdza (or Auntie Minnie as we all called her ) because we couldn’t pronounce Mirdza as children was born in Dublin in 1923 and was the eldest child to Latvian parents David & Emma and older sister to Sylvia and the late Raymond and Bobby.
Mirdza moved North to Belfast in her early 20’s and took a book keeping job with Frank H Mathews. Mum always recalls her excitement when her big sister came home at weekends as she was taken into Dublin City Centre and treated to a Knickerboker Glory. Auntie Minnie had always shown a prowess for figures so decided to do an Accountancy Degree through the Open University and as if that wasn’t enough followed it up with a degree in Economics at Queens University. She then took up a position as one of the chief accountants with the Eastern Health Board based here in Lisburn
Auntie Minnie was always a keen sports person and played hockey at school and with South Antrim and Knock Hockey clubs. Once her playing days came to an end she continued her affiliation with Knock Hockey Club by regularly umpiring every Saturday and in 1985 when the club were celebrating their 75th anniversary Auntie Minnie held the positions of Irish Treasurer, Club President and President of the Ulster Womans Hockey Union.
Mirdza and her dear friend Mary Kennedy loved to travel and holidays as well as working trips with Girls Brigade International saw them visit many parts of the world and we used to love hearing stories about all their adventures.
Her love of animals was always evident whether it was sponsoring an elephant in Africa or caring for her own animals at home. There was always a sausage dog to be seen at 10 Killowen Park – we had Hafner, Denny, Pifco and Wagner and then there were the various array of cats from Siamese, Persian, a few strays and then Lulu who came from the Dogs Trust in Ballymena and was a valuable companion for Mirdza for over 12 years. She used to say that Lulu was half human as they understood each other perfectly.
Auntie Minnie had a down to earth no nonsense approach to life. She took a genuine interest in the lives of all her family and loved to hear what everyone was up to. Her practical advice was always appreciated and her generosity knew no bounds.
In retirement Auntie Minnie kept herself busy. She joined Lisnagarvey Bowling Club where once again she held the positions of Treasurer and Club President and in the winter months she drove herself to Shaw’s Bridge Indoor Bowling Arena to play matches. Her bowling days only ceased 4 years ago due to the pandemic.
She also volunteered for the local branch of the Partially Blind Organisation and through that became a volunteer for the Guide Dog Association. Every year around Christmas Auntie Minnie could be found at Church Sales, Health Centre Foyers and at Markets with her pop up Guide Dog Association stall selling Christmas cards and other merchandise.
Mum Lynn Mark and I would also like to thank the nursing staff of ward 14 River House at Lagan Valley Hospital for the care they gave Mirdza over the last 2 weeks and we also extend our sincere thanks to The Rev Liddle and David Flynn from First LisburnPresbyterian Church for visiting Auntie Minnie in her home and in hospital – your support and prayers were much appreciated.
Auntie Minnie will be sorely missed by us all but we were blessed to have her for so long and she is now at rest.
God Bless Auntie Minnie,
Sleep tight wonderful lady.
