100- year-old Annie was an independent and strong-willed lady with great spirit
ANNIE McArdle breathed her last as her remarkable life ended on 12 December, 2017, at Carlingford nursing home, in her 101st year.
A fiercely independent and strong-willed lady, she displayed an indomitable spirit in a life filled with extraordinary change that crossed two World Wars and encompassed great technological developments, all of which she spent in her home town of Dundalk.
The biggest highlight of all, perhaps, came on 31 July last when she celebrated her 100th birthday, on which she received a letter from President Michael D Higgins, complimenting Annie on her major accomplishments.
These included bravely battling two bouts of cancer in her 80s, and she continued to live an active life throughout her 90s.
She lived on her own at her Cluan Enda home until a broken hip required surgery from which she recovered, and entered Carlingford Nursing home for recuperation.
Annie always enjoyed the craic and banter, and loved to get dressed up, wearing her stylish high heels and favourite lipstick.
Her love of fashion and beauty had endured since her youth. In her early 20s she won a ‘ Greta Garbo lookalike’ competition, with a photograph submitted by local photographers, Duffners.
She was born on Quay Street, her home also incorporating the Fitzgerald family pub in which she worked as she grew up.
She was the second eldest of seven children of John and Cecilia Fitzgerald.
She went to the nearby Convent Primary School, and was a bright pupil who went on to work in the then thriving PJ Carroll cigarette and tobacco factory. .
Having met her future husband Owen McArdle, who lived close by at Point Road, the couple married in 1942. A few years later they were among the first residents of the new Cluan Enda housing estate.
Annie, as was customary, left her work to concentrate on the role of homemaker and taking care of her family. The couple had two sons, Peadar and Seán, and subsequently welcomed seven grand-children and 18 great-grandchildren. Annie also lived to see her great-great grandson.
She was a daily Mass-goer until curtailed by failing mobility. She liked to stroll up town and to meet with friends and acquaintances and share what was going on in their lives.
Owen passed away in 1983. Annie was also predeceased by her sisters, Marie and Cecilia and brother, Jack.
Her passing is deeply regretted, and she will be sadly missed by her loving family, sons, Peadar and Seán, brother Mick, sisters Teresa Hearty and Frances Cullen, daughtersin-law, Theresa and Geraldine, seven grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandson, nephews, nieces, extended family relatives, wonderful friends and neighbours.
After reposing at the residence of her son, Peadar, Lisroland View, Knockbridge on the Wednesday, Annie was removed the following afternoon to Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church. Reverend Brendan Callanan Adm celebrated Requiem Mass. Annie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren participated in the Mass, including giving the Readings and leading the Prayers of the Faithful and bringing the Offertory Gifts to the altar.
The Eulogy was delivered by her grandson Niall and another grandson Rory sang “The Parting Glass” at her graveside.
The music was provided by singer Sarah McCourt and organist Trevor Clarke, along with Mickey Clarke.
Burial followed in Saint Patrick’s cemetery.
Afterwards, at Annie’s request, her family and friends gathered and celebrated her life in true Annie style with a sing song, humour and tales of her life in Tom Clarkes in her native parish of the Quay.
Month’s Mind Mass was on Sunday, 14 January, 2018, at 12.30pm in Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church.