Mrs. Elizabeth Mason

RESIDENTS of Ballykinlar and Newcastle were saddened to learn of the passing of Elizabeth (Betty) Mason who died peacefully on February 13 in the Downe Hospital, aged 80 years.

Betty was born and reared in Newcastle and after leaving school she worked for Major Corbett at his Tyrella Estate. In 1960 she married Ballykinlar man Raphael Mason and together they had four children, Raphael Jnr., Brendan, Jacqueline and Janet.

In the early 1970s she began worked at the Downshire Hospital where her husband Raphael also worked as a nurse.

Through their work in the hospital they forged long-standing friendships and earned the respect of many work colleagues.

In February 1983 Betty was widowed following the early death of Raphael, leaving her with her children to care for. As always she faced this challenge with great fortitude, dignity and grace; rarely if ever complaining, and did everything she could to give her adored children the care, love and strength they needed.

In later years she took great enjoyment and love from her six grandchildren — Conor, Stefan, Shane, Karl, Siofra and Raphael — whom she loved beyond measure.

She was always up for a laugh and her grandchildren are left with many happy memories of their witty and fun-loving nanny. Over the past 15 years or so Betty’s health began to suffer but, as eve,r she got on with life and faced its challenges without complaint.

For the final four years of her life Betty was a resident of Wood Lodge Nursing Home where she was loved by the nurses and staff for her ready wit and jokes aplenty.

Betty began her final journey when she was admitted to the Downe Hospital after being diagnosed with pneumonia.

As was her character she faced her journey to God with admirable strength and courage while comforted by her family and friends.

As well as her children and grandchildren she is survived by her brother Tommy (Newcastle), sister Maureen (Ballymena) and family circle locally and in England.