Mrs Betty Sage

IT was with deep sadness that the community learned of the death of Mrs Betty Sage, of Edward Street, Downpatrick, on December 12. She was in her 83rd year.

Intelligent, kind, friendly and full of fun, she was a family orientated lady, whose love for her family was her main focus.

She was born Betty Hanna in Killyleagh on April 9, 1933. She had three brothers, Chris, John and Ignatius, and three sisters, Joan, Nan and Margaret.

Betty always talked vividly about her younger days and how difficult it was growing up after having lost her mother at the age of seven and her sister, Joan, a few years later.

“Life wasn’t easy in those days,” she reminisced about growing up during the Second World War, and said her family made the best of everything.

Betty met her future husband, Harry, in 1950. The couple married three years later and went on to have six children — Harry, Mary, Joan, Eamonn, Paul and Anne. Fourteen grandchildren and seven great grandchildren were to follow.

Sadly, Harry senior died in 1984. Betty was extremely proud of each and every one of her family and their achievements in life.

A hard worker all her days, Betty enjoyed simple things in later life, such as dancing, music, sewing and knitting, as well as keeping up to date with current affairs. She was extremely knowledgable and something of a genius. She was quick to tell a story and was always ready to support her family and friends, or anyone who crossed her path in daily life.

She made two trips to Rome and being able to shake the hand of Pope John Paul — “the hand of a saint” she would say — brought her great delight.

Two years ago Betty celebrate her 80th birthday to the full and in an impromptu speech she thanked her family for all they had done for her and said how lucky and blessed she was to have them. Indeed, her family spent the last weeks of her life looking after her with dedication and love. Her lasting statement was: “Take the good times with the bad and stick together as a family.”

Betty will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by her loving family and her many friends.