Mrs Maureen Gilmore

MRS Mary Teresa (Maureen) Gilmore, who passed away at her home, 73 Blackcauseway Road, Drumroe, Strangford, on November 17 was a retired teacher who was devoted to her students and her family. She was 103.

Born on January 6, 1917, she was one of ten children born to James and Agnes Denvir, of Ballynarry, near Kilclief. She was educated at the local school until the age of 11 and then attended St Louis’ Grammar School in Kilkeel and Cross and Passion College, Ballycastle, before undergoing teacher training at St Mary’s Training College in Belfast, from which she graduated in 1936.

She began her teaching career at Tir-na-Nog Primary School in Ballyclare before moving to St Finian’s Primary School in Newtownards where she taught from 1940 to 1946.

It was in 1946 that she married her husband, Alfie. The couple were to be blessed with seven children — Moira, Sean, Roisin, Seamus, Philomena, Kieran and Ann. Tragically, Philomena died aged 25 along with two other people in an accident at the Bloody Bridge outside Newcastle in 1982.

The family lived in Belfast where Mrs Gilmore taught at Sacred Heart Primary School, Deanby Gardens, before moving to the Strangford area in 1970. Her final teaching post was at St Mary’s Primary School in Portaferry from 1971 to 1975.

Mrs Gilmore, who was predeceased by her husband in 1990, had a strong Christian faith. She attended Mass daily and was a lifelong Pioneer. She enjoyed gardening and had a number of other interests.

In addition to her children, she is survived by 14 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Requiem mass in St Malachy’s Church, Kilclief, was celebrated by her son, Fr Sean Gilmore, and Fr Gerry McCloskey.