Anne built a happy life with her family in Kilmore
THERE WAS great sadness at the loss of Anne Bates, of Grange, Kilmore, who sadly passed away at the age of 80, last month surrounded her loving family.
Born on February 11, 1938 to George and Rose Elcock, Anne was one of three children. She had a sister Dot and brother Brian. Originally hailing from Eastham in London, she witnessed the perils of World War II having survived direct hits to her street and neighbourhood during the bombing raids of the London Blitz.
The family upped sticks and moved to the newly built town of Basildon where, at 16 years old, she first met Chris who would become the love of her life. Kilmore man Chris left Irish shores in search of work in the UK but found more than he had ever dreamed of the day Anne agreed to take a chance on him.
On a beautiful June 23 in 1956, they were married and were inseparable for the blissfully happy 62 years that followed.
In 1974, with five sons in tow, Anne and Chris decided that their future lay in Ireland. They quickly settled in and Anne became a prominent member of the Kilmore community. She joined the ICA and moved up through the ranks owing to her warm, caring and approachable nature.
If trying to control five spirited boys, keeping house and home, and maintaining extracurricular activities wasn’t enough, Anne also worked in ABS Pumps from 1979 to 1996 where she was one of the first two women who were employed there at the time.
Anyone who knew Anne knew her to be a very kind lady. Those lucky enough to have been acquainted with her would have been treated to her mischievous sense of humour. She always had a smile on her face and a playful light-hearted outlook on life. Every week, Chris and Anne would take to the dance floors, with their many friends, in their favourite dance halls around Wexford.
Most importantly, she was a loving and devoted family woman who always had sound advice to give and a confidential, sympathetic ear for all who needed it.
Anne will be very sadly missed by her husband Chris; her sons Anthony, Stephen, Mick, Paul, and Mark; her brother Brian and sister Dot; her daughters-in-law, her 13 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.
The world has lost a truly wonderful soul but Anne has left behind enough love, strength and courage from her influence to comfort her loved ones in their time of sorrow.
‘Goodbyes are not forever, goodbyes are not the end. They simply mean I’ll miss you, until we meet again.’