HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to Naomi D’Oliveira who was married to county legend Basil D’Oliveira for more than 50 years.
Worcestershire CCC paid their respects after Naomi, 84, passed away in St. Richard’s Hospice after a short illness.
She was the mother of Damian and Shaun D’Oliveira and grandmother of Brett, Ryan, Dom and Marcus D’Oliveira.
Naomi married Basil in 1960, they settled in Worcester from 1964 and were together up until his death in November 2011.
She shared in all of Basil’s triumphs – including receiving an OBE in 1969 and CBE in 2005 – and challenges, most notably the world renowned D’Oliveira Affair in 1968.
In November solid bronze busts commemorating the lives of Basil and Damian were unveiled by Naomi and Tracey D’Oliveira – widow of Damian – at the D’Oliveira Foundation’s Annual Gala Dinner.
Damian, who passed away in 2014, played for the County from 1982-1995 and Brett is currently continuing the family’s proud name as a first team regular at Blackfinch New Road.
Worcestershire chairman Stephen Taylor said: “The club were sad to hear of Naomi’s death and our sympathies and condolences are very much with the family.
“The D’Oliveira name will always be proudly associated with Worcestershire, firstly and most significantly with Basil, but also through the skills of Damian and now Brett.”
The funeral will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Friday, January 26 at 10.45am followed by a gathering at New Road from midday.
