Mary (94) lived for her family and her faith
MRS Mary Halligan of Harriestown, Ballymitty who died recently at the age of 94, was a woman of great faith who loved her family and her home.
Mary (nee Kane) took a turn on August 4 and was brought to Wexford General Hospital where she died later that day, surrounded by her son, daughter-in-law and granddaughter.
She had been ill for a number of years and was looked after at her home until 2009 when she moved to Cherry Grove Nursing Home in Campile where she received excellent care.
Born in Harriestown on October 19, 1922, Mary was a daughter of the late Jim and Biddy Kane and lived all her life in the area in which she grew up.
In her younger years, she worked at Meylers of Harriestown. She met her husband Andy, a native of Grageen, Carrig-on-Bannow at the crossroads in Harriestown and they were married on August 13 1947.
Andy emigrated to
England for work in 1958 while Mary stayed at home in Harriestown to look after their family.
The couple celebrated their 50th and 60th wedding anniversaries together before Andy sadly passed away on
October 31, 2011.
Mary was a woman of great faith and she loved
Our Lady’s Island where she was a regular visitor along with Andy, especially during the pilgrimage season.
She loved her family, her home and her garden and was a keen gardener, an interest also shared by Andy.
Mary was famous for her hospitality and her warm fire. The kettle was always on and visitors were always welcome.
She was an avid listener to Tony Kehoes’s music programme on South East Radio on a Friday evening.
Mary is survived and sadly missed by her five children Jim, Chris, Mary, Budge and Andy; by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren; by her sister Josie; her daughters-in-law; her son-in-law; nephews and nieces and her extended family and friends.
She was predeceased by her sister Nem who died some years ago and in 2016 by her brother Sean who lived in Toronto, Canada and who frequently visited her in Harriestown. She was laid to rest in Ballymitty Cemetery alongside her beloved husband, following funeral Mass in St. Peter’s Church, Ballymitty.
The Month’s Mind Mass will take place in Ballymitty Church on Saturday, September 2 at 7.30 pm.