Mrs Anne Davey

MRS Anne Davey, of 32 Downpatrick Street, Crossgar, who has died at the age of 63, had a smile that would light up any room.

Anne was born on November 2, 1956, one of eight children to Joey and Annie Byrne, of Ballymote House, Downpatrick. She spent her childhood outdoors, helping her father on the family farm.

Anne went to study catering at the College of Business Studies in Belfast and then took up her first job at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick. She loved her job, but was critically injured in a motorcycle accident in June 1976. Against the odds, she recovered and took up sewing to help with her rehabilitation.

In September 1977 Anne met Pat Davey. Initially, she only thought of being with him until her birthday that November. However, he was to be the love of her life and the couple were married in July 1982. They had two children, Stephen and Helen. In recent years Anne became a nanny to Ellie-may, whom she adored.

Anne decided to stay at home with the children, while Pat worked long hours to provide for the family. She developed a love for Novenas, always saying prayers for people who were sick or in need.

She was also a very generous charity volunteer. She would help different charities by doing street collections and selling tickets when possible. As a St Vincent de Paul member she helped many local families, such as making sure they had enough coming up to Christmas.

Anne loved working in the Mission shop in Killyleagh, where she enjoyed having ‘craic’ with the customers. She had a heart of gold. She was always running around on Christmas Eve, making mince pies for half of Crossgar and then delivering them in the early hours of the morning.

That was Anne. She was always giving and never expecting anything in return.

The sympathy of the community is extending to her sorrowing family.