Published: Thursday, 29th July, 2010 4:00pm

Mrs. Mary T. Owens

by Editorial Department

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Mrs. Mary T. Owens

The death has taken place peacefully at her home on June 23, 2010 of Mrs. Mary Teresa Owens, Sessiagh, Arney, Enniskillen.

The daughter of Robert and Teresa Bannon, Ballylucas, Enniskillen, Mary T. was born on July 8, 1917, the second eldest in a family of four. After attending Mullinaskea Primary School, she received her secondary education at Mount Lourdes Grammar School and proceeded to St. Mary's College, Belfast and qualified as a teacher.

As a young woman she taught in many small primary schools in Fermanagh and reminisced fondly of cycling to these areas, staying in many different lodging houses and cycling home again at weekends.

It was while teaching in Innishmore PS and staying in Mrs. McManus's of Drumane that she met her husband Phil. When Inishmore closed she became principal of Mullinaveigh PS, Arney until its closure. Afterwards she taught in Donagh PS and then joined the staff of the newly opened St. Comhghall's Secondary School, Lisnaskea. Her last teaching post was as principal of St. Mary's, Mullymesker, Arney, where she remained until her retirement in 1982.

Mary T. and Phil Owens were married in St. Michael's Church, Enniskillen on December 29, 1952. They made their home at the family farm in Sessiagh, Arney. They had a family of four sons and four daughters, which included triplets.

Mary T. was an integral part of community life in the Arney area. At her funeral mass Fr. Finnegan described her as being one of the first lay readers in St. Mary's Church, Arney, and she continued to take a full part in church life until Easter this year when she fell ill. She was a founder member of the Mother Teresa co workers group and enjoyed crocheting blankets and dressmaking for the charity. She arranged the monthly meetings where the group members met, not only to bring together all their lovingly crafted blankets and clothes, but also to have a good "chin wag"!

Mary T. was a founder member of the Arney and District Community Association, now known as Cleenish Community Association where she and Phil worked tirelessly for may years especially at the old hall and she was the secretary during the early planning of the New Millennium Hall. She was youth club leader for many years. She instilled this sense of community spirit into her children and in turn her grandchildren who work with their local Churches, GAA, Youth Club and Community Associations.

Mary T. had a keen interest in her eight children and 40 grandchildren and looked forward to family gatherings especially enjoying her 80th and 90th joint birthday parties with the triplets who were 40 and fifty at the time. She insisted in inviting all her close neighbours, friends and relations to the Slieve Russell Hotel. These were two very special occasions. She also looked forward to her girls' day out with her four daughters and enjoyed trying out different restaurants. She attended plays in the Ardhowen Theatre and went to all local functions. Her last social outing was to the centenary celebrations of Mount Lourdes Grammar School in March.

Mary T.'s wealth of knowledge on history, current affairs, geography, local folklore and general knowledge will be sorely missed. She was a great conversationalist with a witty sense of humour and was equally at home with young and old.

Mary T. became ill at the end of March and was lovingly cared for at home by all her family with help from district nurses. She cherished the visits by all her friends and neighbours and Fr. Finnegan who called regularly. Her family greatly appreciate the hundreds of people who called to the house, attended her funeral and sent cards and gifts. Thanks also to those who gave donations to Palliative Care in lieu of flowers.

The funeral arrangements were carried out sensitively by Peter Carty and Tom McNulty and the Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr. Finnegan and Fr. McEntee, Dromore.

Mary T. is survived by her family, Francis, Ellen (Eddie Brogan), Mary (Matt McNulty), Peter (Marie), Paul (Finola), Jacinta (Brendan Bradley), Philip (Peggy) and Patricia (Kevin McBrien), her 40 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. She also leaves her brother James Bannon, Ballylucas and her nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Phil and her two sisters Bridget and Fanchea.