Community saddened by Anna McGuire’ s passing
PEOPLE throughout Wexford town were saddened to learn of the passing of Anna McGuire, from Whitemill Road, who died on New Year’s morning.
One of the most respected members of her community Anna (82) was born in May 1936 to Denis and Mary-Kate Farrell.
She was the couple’s fifth child in a family of 11.
One of Anna’s younger brothers, Michael, died very young and she always fondly remembered him to her own family and said he was the most beautiful baby she had ever seen.
Anna was educated in the Presentation school but left at a relatively young age to begin work - like many people of her generation.
Her first job was working with the Bridge’s family and she had a role in the Finewool factory. She also worked for a time in Celtic Linen’s washeria in St Aidan’s shopping centre.
She married the love of her live, her beloved late husband James McGuire, in 1957 and the couple set up home in Redmondstown for a brief period of time.
However, born and bred in Wexford town Anna walked into town every day and it wasn’t long before they moved back into Wexford and set up home in Whitemill Road.
As her daughter Annette commented: ‘She brought the country man into town.’
While in Redmonstown the couple had their first child, James, who Anna always referred to fondly as ‘Jasper’.
There was an open door policy in the McGuire household that meant every visitor was made to feel very welcome from the moment they walked through the door.
Anna was the type of person who always looked out for others and was always the first person on hand if a neighbour or friend needed help or was in difficulty.
Whatever she was asked to do, no matter how difficult the task, she politely obliged.
Blessed with a great sense of humour Anna was the type of person who was always up for a bit of craic and loved to look on the lighter side of life.
That aspect of her personality was perhaps best summed up by occasions like the time she went to the bingo dressed up as a nun and completely fooled some of her closest friends.
Anna was a person who would do anything for a bit of fun and she used to dress up as Bosco for her grandchildren at parties.
She loved baking and also had a particular fondness and talent for gardening while her regular attendance at bingo sessions was a social outing she loved participating in.
Anna was also an independent person who never wanted to put people out of their way - yet she would be the first person to go out of her way to assist others.
As a mother she experienced her share of grief throughout her life; one of the couple’s children, Desmond, died in infancy and unfortunately, James also died 20 years ago. Their passing left her heartbroken especially given the fact she was devoted to her family.
Her daughter-in-law, Collette, also passed away unexpectedly when she was just 21 years-ofage and that also hit her hard while Anna’s beloved husband, James, died eight years ago.
However, through all of the heartache she experienced in her life she never complained and devoted her time to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren - whom she doted on.
Unfortunately, Anna’s health began to decline in May last year and in August she moved into Wygram Nursing Home where she endeared herself to all of the staff who treated her with utmost respect.
Despite her failing health she retained her sense of humour and she loved getting her regular visits from family members and friends.
Commenting on the care she received in the nursing home her daughter Annette said: ‘The care that mam had in St Aidan’s Ward in the hospital and in Wygram Nursing home was second-to-none and we are very grateful for that.’
Anna’s funeral mass which was celebrated in the Church of the Assumption, Bride Street, on Friday, January 4, involved all of her family.
The chief celebrant was Fr Michael O’Shea who was assisted by Fr Aodhan Marken, Fr James Cullen and Fr Robert McGuire.
Following the mass Anna’s remains were laid to rest in St Ibar’s Cemetery, Crosstown.
The McGuire family were very appreciative of the support they received from neighbours and friends following Anna’s passing and they also thanked the Gardai for their help on the day of the funeral assisting the cortège as it made its way to Crosstown.
Anna is survived by her son, Michael, daughters, Annette and Rosari, brother, Seamus, sisters Kathleen and Lil, sonsin-law, Mick and Martin, daughter-in-law, Joan, grandchildren: Gary; Lee; Anthony; Craig; Rebecca; Shauna; Michael; Rhian; Keeva and Callum; great-grandchildren: Noah; Ella; Mila; Conor; Rhian; Evan and Cathal, nieces, nephews and large circle of friends.
Anna was pre-deceased by her husband, James, her sons, James (‘Jasper’) and baby Desmond, and by her siblings: Pat, Richie, Denny, Sean and May.