The funeral service for Clarice Stevens, a proud, dedicated Oldham RLFC supporter for 73 years, will be held in Timperley (Altrincham) on Wednesday, December 11.
The cortege will assemble at 2pm at the Arthur Gresty Funeral Home and Chapel of Rest at The Greystones, 305, Manchester Road, West Timperley, Altrincham WA14 5PH.
It will move on to Altrincham Crematorium, Whitehouse Lane, Dunham Massey, Altrincham WA14 5RH for 2.30pm.
It will be family flowers only, the family asking others to make donations in lieu of flowers to Oldham RLFC.
A supporter since she was aged 17, Clarice died in Wythenshawe Hospital last week at the age of 90.
Until late last season she wouldn’t hesitate to travel on public transport from her home in Timperley to watch the Roughyeds’ home games, be they at Sedgley Park in Prestwich, the Vestacare Stadium in Oldham or Bower Fold, Stalybridge.
“I’ve followed Oldham since I was a girl and I’ll be supporting the club to the day I die,” said Clarice last January at a surprise 90th birthday party which was thrown for her at the club.
She added: “I fell in love with the club when I was a teenager. I was an Oldham girl cheering for the Oldham club. Why would I want to support any other club?
“Roughyeds have given me a lifetime’s interest and a lifetime’s enjoyment.”
Her season ticket and her red and white Roughyeds scarf will be with her in the coffin.
Club chairman Chris Hamilton, who numbered Clarice among his closest friends, will head a large Roughyeds contingent in Altrincham on the day of the final hooter for Clarice, whose longevity of loyalty and dedication to the club set an inspirational example to all.
