Mrs. Cassie Murphy

IT was with great regret that the community in the Downpatrick area learned of the death of Mrs. Cassie Murphy (née Kelly) at the Ulster Hospital, Dundonald, on June 6. She was in her 91st year.

Cassie was the last surviving member of the Kelly family. She born to Hugh and Ellen Kelly, of the Road Houses, Ballyalton, on January 5, 1922. She was married for 63 to the late Billy Joe (B. J.) Murphy.

She was a loving, kind, gentle, thoughtful and generous lady, a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Cherished by everyone who knew her, she was known fondly as Ma.

She was a lady who enjoyed the simple things in life, such as watching her family grow and develop, her garden and her baking, which was famed throughout the local community, especially her apple tarts, soda bread and Christmas puddings.

Any person who called at her home was made to feel welcome and would not be allowed to leave without a cup of tea.

Apart from baking, her favourite pastime was playing bingo in the evenings when she was able to catch up with her friends. Sadly, she had to give this up in her later years. She also enjoyed listening to country music.

Cassie is survived by her eight daughters and five sons. Her funeral took place on Saturday, June 9, to St. Patrick’s Church, Saul, and was followed by interment in the adjoining cemetery. Fr. Alexander, Canon Conway and Canon Rogan officiated.