THE community in and around Annacloy was saddened to learn of the passing of Bernie McConville at her home, Dunanelly, Annacloy, on December 23 after a short illness. She was 85.
Bernie was born on October 25, 1927, the eighth child of a family of 12 to John and Lizzy McConville, and lived at Dunanelly all of her life.
She was educated at Holy Family Elementary School, Teconnaught, until aged 12 when she had to leave school to run the family home and care for her young siblings following the death of her mother.
Having taken such responsibility at an early age, she continued to take charge of situations throughout her life. She offered advice freely, whether it was to the district nurse or the parish priest during his monthly visits.
She continued in her caring role when she joined the health service after her youngest sibling became independent. She worked in the Quoile Hospital until it closed and transferred to Ward 33 at the Downshire Hospital where she retired after 40 years’ service.
Because she was the mother figure for the whole family, she was the lynchpin for each member of the family circle right up until the end of her life. Her house was considered home for her brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, who would come to “Aunt Bernie’s” for holidays.
Bernie took great pride in her appearance and loved clothes and shoes. She was intelligent, kind, compassionate, wise, funny, witty and generous. She supported many charities, each week buying a postal order from her pension to support different charities, such as the Columban Missions, Children in Africa and cat and dog homes. They all benefited from her generosity.
She was always sociable and enjoyed her weekly visits to the day centre in Downpatrick where she made many friends. She kept her brain active by reading and doing crossword puzzles.
Bernie was predeceased by her brothers Bobby (England), John Daniel (Annacloy), and Jim (Scotland), and sisters Sadie (Ballyhossett), Eleanor (Ballynagross), Kathleen (England) and Martha (Australia).
Her passing has left a great void in the lives of her daughter Lorraine, son-in-law John, brothers Eddie (Scotland), Chris (England), and Jackie (Drumaness), sister Ena (England), nieces, nephews and the family circle. She will be sadly missed.
Requiem mass was celebrated by Fr. Maurice Henry, P.P., and Fr. Pat McKenna in Holy Family Church, Teconnaught, on Christmas morning, after which Bernie was laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.