Primrose woman passes away

Frances Eileen Hawthorne (nee Byrne) of Primrose Gardens, passed away after a stroke in Craigavon Area Hospital on April 30.

She was born on the Burn Hill to Augustin and Gertrude Byrne, the youngest of three children. Frances went to St Patrick’s School and then after worked in the Shoe Factory for many years until leaving to get married and have a family.

Frances raised her children then returned to help many people by working as a care assistant throughout the town becoming a slimmer of the year along the way.

Frances went to reside in Edenderry Park and then went to live in Primrose Gardens.

She was a woman of a cheery and friendly disposition and was highly respected by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her.

She enjoyed television and watching quiz shows and doing crosswords. Her main interest however was with her family and her grandchildren.

She was predeceased in 2007 by her brother Vincent.

Frances was good and kind and always ready to listen to anyone’s problems. Her house was a welcoming place that was full of love, laughter and fun.

She is survived by her children Eileen and Barry, grandchildren Adam and Amy, brother Colin, sisters-in-law Patsy and Nancy and son-in-law Steven.

Her children said: “Our mother had become unwell and even with the great care she received from doctors and nurses it was her time to go. She was a strong woman and even though she was in agony she never complained. Thank you to Jim and Maurice Bell, Canon Stevenson and Patricia of St Therese, all of whom made Mum’s final journey into the hands of the Lord less painful.”

They added: “Thank you to our wonderful family for their support and help at this hardest of times. Paula and Donna Doyle, Deirdre Beattie, Kevin, Gary and our family and our friends.”

Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Therese Church Scarva Road on Tuesday May 6 by Canon L. Stevenson followed by cremation at Roselawn Crematorium where Canon Stevenson performed the commital.

Donations in lieu of flowers are being sent to William Bell and Co. Funeral Directors, 23 Kenlis Street, Banbridge, BT32 3LR for Diabetes Care.

William Bell and Co. had charge of the funeral arrangements.