Memorial set up in Oxfordshire for beloved lollypop lady

Dawn Holmes, 67, passed away at home on Monday morning having served for many years as the town’s lollypop lady, helping children to cross the road at the end of Mill Street.

A memorial was set up on the corner opposite Wessex Mill where she worked by Rusty Cafe, with balloons, a large lollypop, a card and pen for people to write their messages.

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Steve Baker, Mrs Holmes' brother, said: “My wife and I have been absolutely amazed by all the comments left.

“I stopped and looked at the memorial on Tuesday and it brought tears to my eyes. I didn’t know how much she was loved by the people of Wantage.”

Mr Baker described how the loss of his sister has been especially tough on the family, including his wife, Sue, and Mrs Holme’s son David, 40, due to the death of her husband just eight weeks ago.

Dawn, the Wantage lollypop lady, and her husband Fred Holmes (Image: Steve Baker) Mr Baker said it was her friendliness and presence in the town that made such an impact.

“The amount of chocolates and sweets she used to get at Christmas was unreal. She would do anything for anyone and always put other people before herself, no question,” he added.

Paramedics were called at about 5am on Monday (November 4), and treated Mrs Holmes at home, but she died at the scene from a suspected heart attack.

Friends from Sainsbury’s, the supermarket in Wantage which Mrs Holmes visited everyday according to her brother, also left a bouquet of flowers and card at her memorial.

It read: “We will all miss seeing you each day and all the lovely conversations we had with you. Our thoughts are with all family at this time. Sleep peacefully Dawn.”

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Comments from those who knew her described Mrs Holmes as a “special lady” with a “lovely smile” who worked hard to keep children safe and was always kind.

Some residents are keen to contribute to a memorial bench outside the old mill.

Mr Baker expressed his gratitude for the response.

He said: “I just want to thank everyone in Wantage, from the whole family, from the bottom of our hearts.

"We’re totally gobsmacked, the response is truly unbelievable.”

Three Facebook posts sharing the news and pictures of the memorial have received more than 1,000 likes between them, with commenters adding memories of the lollypop lady and praising Mrs Holmes.

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