Mrs. Rose (Rosaleen) Wallace

Editorial Department • Published 8 Jul 2010 16:00

The unexpected death took place recently on June 10, of Rose (Rosaleen) Wallace, of 10 Fortlea, Derrylin. Rose passed away in Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, after a short illness, and had been married for over 54 years to the late Patrick (Paddy) Wallace, who passed away on May 15, 2004.

Rose, formerly Cox of Derrychorran, Teemore, was born on January 16, 1926, to Peter and Rose Ann Cox, their third child. She grew up and attended Drumanymore National School, receiving her early education there, before going to work in Enniskillen, in a drapery shop, long since gone! Then, after the Second World War, she took a job as a dental nurse in Belfast, moving on to work for McQuitty's the auctioneers, where during this time she met her future husband, Patrick (Paddy) in 1947.

After a two year courtship, they were married in St. Mary's Church, Teemore on August 29th, 1949. They set up home in Annalee St., Belfast, where they lived for just over a year, before moving to Alliance Road, Ardoyne, Belfast, where they lived for over 20 years. During this time, Rose gave birth to six children, Nancy, Patrick Jr., Liam, Michael, Antoinette and lastly Malachy.

Then, due to the 'Troubles', in 1971 the family lost their home, while holidaying in Donegal, and had to leave Belfast and set up home with Rose's brother Johnny back in Derrychorran, Teemore. The next few years were a struggle for both Rose and Patrick, but they always believed that better times were ahead and took a very positive outlook on life.

Then in 1972 they obtained a house in Derrylin, in a new development, later to be called Fortlea, which became their family home until the present day.

Rose took a job as a home help, in the early 70s, a position she held for over 12 years, eventually retiring in 1986. Although she had her share of illness over the coming years, Rose never lost her sense of humour and viewed every day with a smile. She was comfortable in the company of old and young alike, making friends very easily, with a sharp wit and affable nature, and would attend many functions, always with her family, in which she took a great interest, and more recently her five grandchildren, Dimitris (25), Natalia (20), Aaron (eight), Oisin (five) and Lauren (two).

Rose's passing was a great shock to her family, and to the community alike, and she will be missed greatly. It was a measure of what her friends and neighbours thought of the lady, by the numerous people who called to her home to pay their respects to her family, and by the large attendance to her remains, and to her funeral.

Rose's last days were spent in the Erne Hospital and later in Altnagelvin Hospital, and her family would like to thank most sincerely the staff of both hospitals for the care and attention she received.

Also to Dr. John Kirby and the District Nurses from Derrylin Medical Centre, who attended Rose over the years.

The entire family would also like to thank everyone who commiserated with them at this very difficult time, and a Mass will be offered up for their intentions. Rose's laughter will echo within the hearts of her friends and relations for a long time to come and she will not be forgotten too easily. Rose's Month's Memory Mass will take place on Saturday, July 10, in St. Mary's Church, Teemore at 7.30 p.m.

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This article appeared in Impartial Reporter 08 Jul 10

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