Ann Dunne, aged 66 years, Mountgordon, Castlebar, passed away on Wednesday December 30 2009.
Ann was known as Nan to all her family and close friends. Ann was the daughter of the late Thomas and Katie Flynn, (nee Burke, Derrew ) Lisnacurley, Ballyheane, Castlebar.
Ann married John Dunne of Windsor, Castlebar, and they celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in September 2009.
Ann attended Ballyheane National School and continued her education in the Vocational School, Castlebar.
Employment for Ann followed straight away in St Mary’s Hospital. Through her work, while training as a registered psychiatric nurse, Ann developed a compassionate caring attitude for those less fortunate than herself. She became an advocate for both patients and staff.
In August 1969 Ann resigned from St Mary’s Hospital to get married. She was a housewife for a number of years, making a home for herself and John, where everyone was welcomed, with a cup of tea or indeed dinner depending on the time people called. She also loved cooking and baking.
Ann was a very keen gardener having flowers and shrubs for the four different seasons. Ann liked the odd game of badminton, and played regularly in St Mary’s hall. Ann was blessed with a beautiful singing voice and would regularly entertain family and friends with a sing-song. This was her unique way of communicating with people. Even though her voice is now stilled, it will remain in our hearts and minds throughout the years ahead to comfort and console us.
Other hobbies included swimming, crosswords, dancing, reading, and walking, visiting her family from time to time. Ann and John liked to travel and frequently went abroad. She regularly hopped across the wall to make sure that the Joyce family were OK.
From 1982 Ann looked after her nephew Alan and in 1984 she starting looking after her niece Chrystal Culkeen, and she also looked after neighbours’ children Brian and Emma Kerpatrick for a time. The children went every place with her and became very much her family.
Ann enjoyed a challenge. In 1989 John started his own oil business from their home in Mountgordan where Ann managed the office, looked after the clients, and ran their home in her capable way. She never became flustered. She carried her work out in a dignified, methodical way. As their business developed and grew they had to move to a bigger premises. This happened in November 1994 when they moved their offices to John Dunne Oil Depot, Moneen Industrial Estate, Castlebar. Here Ann continued to manage the office where the business continued to flourish and grow under her care and guidance. Ann retired from the oil business in December 2001 to pursue other leisure activities.
In December 2009 Ann became ill. After a short illness, Ann passed away peacefully at her home in Mountgordan in the loving arms of her husband John. She reposed in her home where many family, friends, and neighbours came to spend some special time with her.
Ann’s passing is deeply regretted by her heartbroken husband John; her beloved sister Mary Flanagan, Boston; Tommy Joe, Ballaugh, Killarney; Pat, Creeragh, Castlebar; Michael, Lisnacurley, Ballyheane; and Kathleen Culkeen, McHale Road, Castlebar.
Donations in her memory if desired can be sent to Rock Rose House, Castlebar, c/o Kilcoyne Funeral Directors, Thomas Street, Castlebar, 094 902 1646.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam.
