Mary was a quiet lady and devoted mother who loved life on the farm
THERE is great sadness in Kiltegan following the passing of Mary Ryan (nee Lee).
Born in Ballisodare, Co Sligo, on May 9, 1927, Mary was one of nine children. After finishing school, she went to Glasgow in Scotland to become a nurse.
After qualifying, she moved to Kent where she took up a nursing position in Bow Arrow Hospital.
On one of her days off, Mary wandered into a little shoe shop to browse. As it was St Patrick’s Day, she was wearing a big bunch of shamrock on her coat. Mary noticed a young man in the shop watching her and he said: ‘I thought it was only the Irish wore shamrock.’
Mary quickly replied: ‘And what do you think I am?’ She continued very proudly to say ‘I am Irish and, what’s more, I’m from Sligo.’
The young man introduced himself as Joe Ryan and asked if she would like to go to the dance that evening in the Irish Club. Mary accepted and this was the beginning of their journey together.
On September 2 1950, Mary and Joe married in a church in Dartford, Kent.
At this time when a woman married, she had to leave her career and so Mary and Joe decided to return home to Ireland. They bought a farm in Talbotstown, Kiltegan and began their married life together.
The couple travelled through life as companions and best friends throughout their 69 years of marriage.
Mary became a mother to five children; Michael, Patrick, Phyllis, Mary and Joseph. Later she became a grandmother and then a great-grandmother.
Times could be hard but Mary loved her life on the farm. She was never happier than when she was caring for her children. A quiet lady, she was happy to stay at home where she enjoyed baking and knitting. She was very well known for her homemade white and brown soda breads.
Mary also looked forward to dressing up and going out with Joe. They would meet friends and do a bit of social dancing.
There is now an empty chair in Mary’s house and an ache in the hearts of her family. During her Requiem Mass, Mary’s granddaughter Linda spoke on behalf of her other grandchildren, Jacqueline, Gillian and Darren, who had lived next door to their grandparents. She shared some treasured memories with the congregation. Mary’s son Joseph paid tribute to their father and thanked him for the love and support he shared with their beautiful mother. He also thanked his sister Mary for making it possible for their mother to be cared for in her own home for the past few years.
Mary’s family are heartbroken to have lost her but are so thankful to have had her for so long.
Mary will be sadly missed by her loving family; husband Joe, sons Michael, Patrick and Joseph, daughters Phyllis and Mary, sisters Sr. Phyllis and Sheila, brother Kevin, daughters-in-law and sons-in law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
Her funeral mass took place at St. Brigid’s Church, Talbotstown with burial afterwards in Tinaclash Graveyard, Kiltegan. Ar ais Di go raibh a hanam.