Mrs Sarah Brown

MRS Sarah Mary Brown, of Strangford View, Killyleagh, who died in the Ulster Hospital at the age of 96, was a much loved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.

Sarah was born in Darragh Cross on June 1, 1921, the oldest daughter of John and Ellen McGreevy. Her mother was only 33 when she passed away and at the tender age of 13 Sarah was left to raise the family.

Sarah left school and with the help of her older brother, Sammy, she raised her three younger siblings, the youngest being only two years of age, because her father had to go to England to support his family.

Her youngest brother, Thomas, became very attached to her and even during her courting days when she met the love of her life, Tom Brown, Thomas was always there.

After going out for six years and Thomas being 13 years old, Sarah finally married Tom at the age of 24 on September 25, 1945, and was soon to raise a second family. She and Tom were to have Ellen, Peggy, Tommy, Sally, Jackie, Gerry, Rosemary, Michael and Ann, all of whom were with her at the end.

Sarah was a devoted mother and wife, caring for her late husband throughout the long years when he was suffering from Alzheimer’s. She was a loving and generous grandmother and was so proud of a recent photograph showing the fifth generation of the Browns.

Throughout her life she was a devoted Catholic, regularly praying and attending services when able. In fact, she was constantly asked by her family to pray for them in times of need as her prayers were answered favourably. She also made memorable pilgrimages to Lourdes and Knock.

Sarah enjoyed socialising, whether it was attending weddings, christenings, parties, dances or Bingo. She especially enjoyed girlie weekends with her daughters to Newcastle or Dublin.

She always kept in close contact with her brothers and sisters, Sammy, Margaret, Agnes and Thomas. She is survived by Agnes, who lives in Birmingham and who recently celebrated her 90th birthday, which Sarah attended.

Even with her diminishing eyesight, she was still able to live independently. Sarah was always on the go. She lived life to the full and was always young at heart. She enjoyed her pavlova, ice-cream and the occasional glass of red wine, which was purely for medicinal purposes.

The funeral mass in St Mary Star of the Sea Church, Killyleagh, was celebrated by Fr Brendan Smyth.

Sarah will be greatly missed by her family, friends and neighbours.