Ms Emily Cunningham

EMILY Cunningham, who died on May 17 at the age of 89, was a very well known woman who had lived in Downpatrick all her life.

Emily was born on August 17, 1927, the third in a family of 13, consisting of six girls and seven boys.

Her parents, Frank and Mary (née Murtagh), were also well known in Downpatrick.

Emily attended Convent of Mercy School in the town before joining the Civil Service.

She worked in  Belfast at Stormont Buildings for some years before transferring to the local Bureau Office where she worked in the Work and Pensions Department, driving around the countryside and assisting farmers and other self-employed people with their pensions.

Emily loved to travel and flew several times to Canada and the United States to visit relatives, even in the late 1950s when transatlantic travel was less common.

She was very keen on old time dancing and went to dances all her life. She is fondly remembered by the many dancing friends she met at McElroy’s and the Slieve Donard Hotel.

She loved music and also enjoyed arts and crafts, attending night classes to perfect her skill at tapestry, crocheting and knitting.

Emily had a strong faith and was a familiar face on church pilgrimages to Lourdes and Knock.

Emily lived her adult life in Ardpatrick Avenue, only latterly moving to Quoile Fold and from there to Kings Castle, Ardglass, where she spent her last days.

Emily was part of a large family, long established in the Downpatrick area. She is survived by her brother, Oliver (Downpatrick), and her sister, Winnie (Leeds). She will be missed by all who moved her, including her many nieces and nephews.