Mary was a wonderful mother and a treasured friend

A LOVELY person is how the late Mary Edwards (née Hendrick) of Croneyhorn, Carnew, will always be remembered by those who knew her.

An important and treasured member of the Carnew parish, Mary’s recent passing after a brave battle with illness was received with great sadness, especially by her close-knit family and large circle of cherished friends.

Mary Edwards was born in 1948 to Patrick and Elizabeth Hendrick and raised on a farm in Craan outside of Bunclody.

She was one of five children and the only girl among four brothers, John, Jim, Pat, and Tom. Despite living most of her life in County Wicklow, Mary was always hugely proud of her Wexford roots.

As a child, Mary attended school in Kilbranish, Bunclody, and later in the Presentation Convent, Enniscorthy, and was a well-liked and eager student.

An enjoyable spell working in the Courtown Hotel followed for Mary after her school days had ended and she made many dear friends during this time and was a popular member of staff due to her warm and friendly personality.

It was around this time that Mary met Martin Edwards of Croneyhorn, Carnew. They wed in 1974 and settled in to the Edwards family home where they reared five children – Yvonne, twins John and Eilish, Caroline and James.

Over the years Mary became an integral and important member of the Carnew and Tomacork communities. She was a wonderful mother to her children and a treasured friend and neighbour who always gave freely of her time and was always willing to lend a hand or offer advice.

Mary was a hard worker and dedicated her life to creating a loving family home and providing all the opportunities her children desired.

A wonderful hostess, Mary regularly welcomed family and friends from England and a home away from home was always guaranteed, along with laughter, kindness and generosity.

In later years, Mary spent an enjoyable spell working in the Carnew Community Care where she made many more friends.

The arrival of her grandchildren was a magical period in Mary’s life. Lauren, Niamh, Ciara, Colin, Emily and Daniel were the lights of her life and she showered them with love and care from the moment they were born until her final days. Their young lives were enriched beyond words by the devotion of their Nanny Edwards. Gorgeous memories were made.

Kindness and generosity are the attributes which Mary Edwards will be remembered for. A woman with a beautiful smile, a guiding hand, a kind word, always interested, always concerned, always there.

The past year was difficult for Mary but she battled like she always battled, bravely, quietly, always far too much of a lady to cause a scene, never wanting to trouble others, never wanting to be a burden.

Her final weeks were spent in Our Lady’s Hospice, Blackrock, where she received the very best of care and support. Previous to that she had been attending Wexford General Hospital, St James Hospital and Waterford Regional Hospital and had only the very best opinion of all the staff in all three hospitals. She also received the finest care from Dr Damien Doyle in Carnew and all the nurses who attended Mary at home over the past year.

Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Parish Priest Fr Casey and assisted by Fr Matt Brennan in St Brigid’s Church, Tomacork, with burial afterwards in adjoining cemetery.

Mary Edwards was the foundation of her family. She was their support. Everything revolved around her. Her passing leaves a huge void in their lives but their grief is made more bearable thanks to the wonderful memories they possess of her and the powerful and endlessly loving influence Mary had on them.

If you knew Mary Edwards you knew a beautiful human being.

Mary is survived by her husband Martin, her children, Yvonne, John, Eilish, Caroline and James, grandchildren, Lauren, Niamh, Ciara, Colin, Emily and Daniel, son-in-law, daughterin-law, partners, brothers, John, Jim, Pat and Tom, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives and a wide circle of friends.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.