MAREE Donnelly will be remembered by her family as a kind, gentle woman whose hands were always busy working.
Maree (neé Kelly), Drumdoit, Castlefinn, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, January 10 at the age of 89 years.
One of life’s grafters, Maree was gifted whether it was at baking, knitting, sewing or working in the garden.
Up until the last few years, she walked up the hill every day with rosary beads in her pocket saying her rosary and then would return home to her beautiful house and garden, a place that always had a fire in the stove and a warm welcome for visitors. Her family and her faith were so important to her.
Maree was born in Convoy in 1935, the eldest of three daughters, born to Mary Ellen and Patrick Kelly. She attended Broadpath Primary School there until the family moved and settled in Castlefinn.
It was here that Maree was to meet the love of her life Sean Donnelly, a Dungannon man and insurance salesman. The two shared a love for traditional Irish culture especially dancing and spent many happy years together before Sean passed away in 1990.
A talented seamstress, Maree worked in the shirt factory in Castlefinn up until she married and her sewing machine at home was used for many years making and altering clothes and curtains for herself and neighbours. She was also a great knitter and could turn her hand to embroidery too.
Maree was also an innovator – never seeing a problem without putting together a solution. Her thriving garden was a testament to that.
Maree was described by her family as a remarkable lady, generous and resourceful. Her nieces and nephews said they felt that they were loved unconditionally by her. She was a great neighbour and a loyal friend and confidant.
Maree’s funeral Mass was celebrated on January 13 by Fr. Patsy Arkinson in St. Columba’s Church, Donnyloop with burial in the adjoining cemetery.
Maree was deeply loved and her passing is deeply regretted by her sisters Anna and Rita, her brother-in-law Sam, her many nephews, nieces and godchildren.
Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilís
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