Teresa’ s sole concern was to see her loved family happy
Teresa Hughes 1938-2017
TERESA Hughes, of Doolargy Avenue, Muirhevnamor, who died peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital on 8 February, 2017, was a lady who moved to Dundalk with a young family to pursue a life away from the Troubles in her native Northern Ireland, and she spent nearly 40 years here, making it her adopted home.
She was widowed and also lost her eldest son within the space of a yearand-a- half, and was left responsible for the upbringing of her other six children, five daughters and another son, ranging in age from six to teenagers, all at school.
It was a daunting and extremely sad task, but one which she had the strength of character and great intelligence to see through in a totally selfless manner.
Her sole concern was to see her family happy, and she only ever wanted to give.
Her family was the fulcrum of Teresa’s life, and she loved having them around her. She adored her grandchildren, one of whom, JP lives in Australia with his wife and son, and great- grandchildren. In the eyes of her family, she was one of the best mothers and grandmothers in the world.
She hailed from Caledon, County Tyrone, one of eight in the family of James and Teresa Halligan, four sons and four daughters. Youngest brother, Kevin is the only surviving sibling.
She met her future husband, Patrick Hughes in Armagh. They set up home in Newry. Then in the ‘80s she was beset with the double tragedy of losing Patrick at the age of 34, and their son Michael, who was 16.
Teresa was pregnant with her youngest child, Patricia, when an explosion resulted in the death of her husband. Eighteen months later, Michael was fatally shot.
Teresa had a brother and sister-inlaw in Dundalk, and chose to move to where she had important family support, and to where her young children were able to make many friends.
She combined the onerous role of sole parent, counsellor and housekeeper with being a market trader, selling readymade curtains in the centre of town.
The family lived for a time in Bay Estate and then in Seatown, before being allocated a house in Muirhevnamor where they settled.
Teresa always saw to it that anything her children needed she provided. Any problems they had she supplied the wisest of counsel.
She loved gardening, and at a later stage took up painting when she attended the Saint Oliver Plunkett day care centre. She presented various paintings to her children and grand- children to adorn their homes.
She maintained her ties with Northern Ireland, especially her family, with weekly trips that allowed her shop and visit her daughters and sisters. She was very active and cycled about town for her groceries.
Teresa was struck with illness a couple of years ago, only then to suffer a recurrence five months ago, and she needed hospital care.
She was predeceased by her sisters, Mary, Maggie and Clare; brothers, John, Jim and Vincent; as well as her husband, Patrick and son, Michael.
She is sadly missed by her sorrowing daughters, Kathleen, Elizabeth, Angela, Lorraine and Patricia; son, John; sons-in-law, Raymond and Paul; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brother, Kevin; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
After reposing at home from Thursday, Teresa was taken on Saturday to the Church of the Holy Family, Muirhevnamor. Father Jim O’Connell Adm celebrated Mass and gave the eulogy.
Gifts symbolising Teresa’s life, including her love of gardening and painting and a picture of her grand-daughter, Zoey were laid before the altar by Michael, Peter and Sean.
The Readings were given by grandsons, Shane and Aaron Kelly. Granddaughter, Michaela Joyce and grandson, Peter Kerr participated in the Offertory Procession.
The music was provided by singer Paudie Breen and organist Anne Quinn.
Teresa was interred in Monkshill Cemetery, Newry. Father Damien Quigley led the graveside prayers.
A tribute written by daughter, Patricia was read by Rachel Sherry and a poem was read by great-granddaughter, Ella McCorry.