Mrs Tilly Hanna

MRS Mary Elizabeth Hanna passed away at her home at Shore Road, Kilclief, on September 19 aged 73.

Known to all as Tilly, she was born in Kilclief to Anthony and Kitty King. She attended St Malachy’s Primary School in Kilclief and continued her education at St Anne’s Intermediate School in Ardglass.

She became a nanny to twins in Belfast before beginning her nursing studies at the Downshire Hospital in Downpatrick.

She met her late husband, Tommy, who was known as Ta Ha, and went on to have ten children, including baby Joseph, who lived for only a few hours after he was born.

With such a huge family, Tilly was well known for her love of baking and of fishing for lobsters and crabs with Tommy in later years.

They built their own boat in the old schoolhouse at Kilclief, which they used as their workshop. It was blessed by Father Coyle, PP, which their family believe is why they were both kept safe throughout their years on the sea.

Twenty two years ago they moved to the Forge on the Shore Road to be nearer to their boat anchored on the shore. All of their
children, at one time or another, went out in the boat with them.

Tilly was famous for her dressed crabs and lobsters, which were enjoyed in local restaurants, such as the Lobster Pot and Cuan, and further afield.

She was also well known for her generosity and hospitality. Her door was always open and no-one left her house empty-handed, whether it was an apple tart, soda bread, breakfast or lunch. Everyone spoke warmly of her generosity.

Tilly is survived by nine children, Tommy, Annemarie, John, Kevin, Linda, Jennifer, Michael, Louise and Grace, 22 grandchildren, five great grandchildren, brothers Anthony, TJ and John, and sisters Lil Quinn, Kate Kearney and Caroline Magee.

Her Month’s Mind Mass will be celebrated by Father Peter O’Kane, PP, in St Malachy’s Church, Kilclief, on October 25 at 11am. Tilly will be sorely missed by all who knew her.