MRS Mary Magorrian, who died peacefully at Kings Castle Nursing Home, Ardglass, was a retired nurse who will be fondly remembered by many people. She was 86.
Mrs Magorrian (née McCartan) came to Downpatrick from Gortfinbarr, Carrickmore, Co Tyrone, in 1950 to undertake her nursing training at Downshire Hospital. She was the daughter of Roddy and Sarah McCartan (née McElduff) and a sister of Ellen Jane Milligan (RIP), from Ardglass.
It was during her time training that she met and married her husband, James, also a nurse, and settled in Downpatrick to raise her children. However she never forgot Gortfinbarr, Carrickmore and was very proud of her family roots in Co. Tyrone. She would often make the journey to Carrickmore to visit her close family and friends. She took a great interest in her family history and in the history of the area she grew up in.
Mary nursed in both Downshire and in Purdysburn Hospitals. Nursing and caring for people were the heart of all she did. Mary was proud of her profession as a nurse and to have worked caring for others until her retirement.
Her other lifetime commitment was caring for her grandchildren. She took great pride and satisfaction in all their achievements in the knowledge that she had contributed in every way possible to their successes.
On her retirement in 1992 she and James enjoyed many holidays and travelled extensively. She loved visiting family in the USA and holidaying in Europe.
After her husband’s passing, Mrs Magorrian continued to enjoy the company of her close network of friends. She continued to travel and involve herself in social activities such as the local cardiac support group
She battled with her own ill health in later life, but never allowed this to impede her sense of fun and telling a story, especially about her time working in the hospitals and of Carrickmore.
She was a vibrant lady who enjoyed the company of her friends and family and she was happiest when surrounded by her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and friends.
Canon Murray was the celebrant at her funeral Mass on October 2.
Mrs Magorrian is survived by her children, Anne, Kieran, Gerard, Eleanor and Dermot, her sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband and her daughter, Margaret.