Mrs Ann Oxley DL MSc – In Memoriam

28th March 2023

Oxley Group is saddened to announce the death of Mrs. Ann Oxley, who passed away peacefully at her home on the Isle of Man on Saturday 18thMarch, aged 87.

Ann married Freddy Oxley, the founder of the Oxley Group, in 1968 and for the next 20 years she worked with him developing the business. Following Freddy’s death in 1988, Ann became Chairman of Oxley Group and later took up the role of Life President.

Ann Oxley fostered the values of family, innovation and self-sufficiency which all remain fundamental in the business today. She firmly believed in developing talent and rewarding loyalty; many Oxley employees completed 50 years’ service under her stewardship. Oxley employees recall the famous Christmas celebrations to which all staff were invited with Mr & Mrs. Oxley distributing gifts from a horse and carriage in the grounds of their Priory Park home.

Despite suffering ill health in recent years, Mrs. Oxley retained a keen interest in the business, visiting the company until her condition prevented her travelling. The Oxley business celebrated its 80thanniversary in 2022, paying tribute to the hugely significant contribution Mrs. Oxley had made to the organisation.

Ann, a generous philanthropist, was committed to the local community and undertook many key roles supporting local charities. She was a founding Trustee of the Cumbria Community Foundation in 1999, dedicated to help others less fortunate than herself. In October 1999, Ann was appointed Deputy Lieutenant of Cumbria by the Lord Lieutenant, Sir James Cropper; it was a role she was honoured to receive and delighted in fulfilling throughout her ten year term.

In 1999 Ann Oxley received an honorary Master of Science degree from the University of Salford in recognition of her contribution to industry, the community and the university.

A consummate professional with exceptionally high standards, Ann Oxley will be remembered for her strong leadership and her commitment to growing the Oxley business into the global technology leader that it is today.

A funeral service and celebration of Ann’s life will be held at St Cuthbert's Church, Aldingham at 12pm on Saturday, 22 April. Further details from Little & Caine, Dalton-in-Furness.