Mrs. Mary Valentine

THE death has occurred of 93 year-old Mary Valentine, the oldest resident in the Ardmeen Green estate in Downpatrick.

She was the eighth of 11 children and was the last surviving member of the musically talented Dornan family of Hazelbank, Loughinisland.

Before her retirement in her late 70s she was well known in Downpatrick as a retail assistant in Cassidy’s and Coburn’s stores in the town.

She was well known for her great style and used this to help her customers find the perfect outfit. She carried her style, whether she was going to mass, gardening or going to bingo supporting all the local Parish halls.

She was a very keen gardener and spent many joyful hours looking after her great display of roses. She was a well known figure in Downpatrick to both young and old and was happy to share the many stories of her life.

She loved to travel and holidayed across most of Europe. In her late 70’s she even travelled alone twice to New Zealand to visit her youngest daughter and family.

She was the widow of the late Felix Valentine and mother of the late Elaine Valentine. She is survived by her children, Patricia, Roslyn and Raymond, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren.

Her largely attended funeral took place in St. Patrick’s Church , Downpatrick, with Canon Sean Rogan officiating. Music was provided by the Dornan /Grant family — the niece, grand niece and nephew of Mary.