Mary was a warm, caring woman who loved life
The late Mary Foxe will forever remain in the memories of those who knew her as a warm, caring woman with a welcoming smile.
Mary passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, March 11, in her own home surrounded by her loving family. Mary’s family will always be so grateful that they were able to care for her in her own home for her last six weeks of her illness which she bore with great dignity.
Mary was born in Ballymitty in 1933, the daughter of Pat and Mary Ellen Dunne who lived in Arnestown, Ballymitty, a place she fondly remembered up to her last days. Mary had five brothers, Tommy, Johnny, Davy, Paddy (all deceased) and her beautiful baby brother Andrew who died at eight months. Her sisters Katie, who resides in Coventry and Josie who lives in Arnestown, have shown Mary so much love and affection over the years. After leaving school Mary worked at the General Provider’s in Wellingtonbridge as a cook. She also took on the role of cook at Raheenduff House, Foulksmills, where she worked for a number of years – a role which she thoroughly enjoyed and took great pride in.
She met her future husband Ted Foxe, a Camross native and they were married in 1957. Having both worked in Coventry, England, they returned home for the birth of their first child Peter. They built their home in Horetown, Foulksmills, at the cross roads colloquially known as the Round O. There they raised their children, Peter, Gerard and Caroline. On October 23, 1981, Mary sadly had to say goodbye to her loving husband Ted, who had battled cancer over the previous 18 months – which broke her heart.
Mary had many hobbies over the years, playing cards, gardening, cooking and travelling to numerous bingo halls all over the county where she would meet up with friends. But her real passion in life was sport. Darts, snooker, soccer, rugby but especially G.A.A. were her favourites. As her grandchildren became involved down through the years she followed them all over the county and beyond with great honour. She adorned the purple and gold at every opportunity, whether it was in Belfast, Limerick, Kilkenny etc., or her beloved Wexford Park. Mary loved nothing more than travelling up to Fr Wheeler Park to support Clongeen and it never mattered what age group were playing as long as they played with passion and pride.
Music and dance accompanied her throughout her life. As a young lady she won medals for dancing and her beautiful singing. Her unwavering faith guided her throughout her life, but especially in the last weeks of her life. There was no exam, job interview, driving test or match that wasn’t achieved without the help of St Anthony. She would always say ‘St Anthony would never pass you by’ and he certainly never failed her.
Her grandchildren were the apples of her eye and her face would light up when she saw them or even spoke of them. They were smothered with love and affection no matter if they were sitting beside her or on the other side of the world, and they returned that love in abundance.
Apart from being a very much family orientated person she reared many pets over the years and there was always a special one that needed that little bit more care and attention.
Mary’s funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Colm Murphy P.P. and con-celebrated by Fr. Jim Curtis in the Church of the Assumption, Little Cullenstown on March 13. Her burial took place in Clongeen cemetery alongside her loving husband whom she missed so dearly.
Mary is survived by her three loving children Peter, Gerard and Caroline; her sisters Katie and Josie; her beloved daughters-in-law Anna and Claire; son-in-law Peter; her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren; nephews; nieces; realtives; neighbours and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.