Ann had a heart of gold and unfailing sense of humour

Ann Rothery (1963-2017)

ANN was a wonderful person with a heart of gold

Ann was born on July 17, 1963. She was the second eldest of a family of four children born to Michael McCarthy (better known as Mickey Browne) and Tess Sullivan. Ann grew up on the family farm in Upper Purt, Abbeyfeale along with her brother Dan and sisters Moira and Tishey. She had a very happy and carefree childhood and could recount many wonderful memories. She attended Knocknasna National School followed by St. Joseph’s Secondary School, Abbeyfeale and completed her education in Mary Immaculate College, Limerick. She began her teaching career in Dublin but soon returned to take up a position in Dromtrasna National School where she later became Principal.

In 1995 Ann married the love of her life Paul and they set up home together in Creggane, Duagh where they were to spend many happy years. They had two children Desmond and Robbie. Sadly, Desmond died shortly after being born. Ann was a wonderful wife and the best mother that anyone could wish for. She was always there for all her family and their happiness meant everything to her.

Ann was a very strong, capable and reliable person whose advice you could always count on. She loved reunions with family and friends. She will be remembered by all who knew her for her pleasant outgoing personality, her hospitality and her unfailing sense of humour. Such was the extent of Ann’s hospitality and genuine welcome that all visitors both at home and at school went away feeling the better for their experience.

Ann was caring, compassionate and generous to a fault. She could never say “No”. She was always only too willing to help her family, friends and indeed even complete strangers which she very often did. She was one of life’s true Samaritans. In fact, one of her greatest passions in life was people and from the youngest to the oldest she demonstrated a sincere interest in and an empathy with everyone’s story.

Ann was a very witty person who had a unique way with words and was well able to relate a good story and always held a captive audience. She was naturally blessed with a lighthearted and happy disposition and had a calm and carefree attitude to life. This belied an underlying efficiency and capability which saw the job done quickly but always to the highest of standards. She was resourceful and creative bringing her talents as a natural actress to bear in her teaching of the children. She always treated all staff, parents and children equally and with respect.

In her spare time Ann loved to travel be it at home or abroad. She was spontaneous and loved nothing better than to take off in her camper van whatever the weather. One of her favourite places to visit was West Kerry where she enjoyed many happy and fun-filled weekends. However, Ann was at her happiest at home in Creggane with her devoted husband Paul and her “beautiful boy Robbie” as she so fondly called him.

Among her other interests were art, and genealogy. She could spend hours tracing her family history. She also loved acting and was a member of Abbeyfeale Drama Group for many years.

Ann had a wide circle of very good friends with whom she shared many happy moments. Her easy-going relaxed nature made her a delight to be around. She was always the life and soul of the party. Ann’s house was very much a home where there was always a welcome for everyone.

Ann was diagnosed with a very rare cancer two years ago. True to her nature she battled this terrible disease with courage and dignity and still remained positive and strong for her family. Throughout her illness she never once complained. She maintained her great sense of humour and her enthusiasm for life never waivered. Ann was a wonderful person who up to the point of her illness had lived life to the fullest and had no regrets. Sadly, Ann’s life was cut short far too soon. On the 30thof April she passed away at her home in Creggane surrounded by her family.

Ann was pre-deceased by her son Desmond, father Mickey and brother Dan. She is survived and sadly missed by her heartbroken husband Paul, son Robbie, mother Tess, sisters Moira and Tishey, mother in law Máire, niece Teresa, nephews Michael, Tommy and Michael, in laws, cousins and her many many friends.

The void created by the untimely death of someone as beloved as Ann is still hard to grasp – she was someone whom we thought would be around for much longer. We will miss her beautiful smile, her hearty laugh and her witty comments but her memory will live on in all our hearts forever.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.

Ann Rothery