MS Margery Kelly of Ardenlee Gardens, Downpatrick, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2019. She was 94.
Margery was born in the ‘Bee Hive’, Falls Road, Belfast, on April 27, 1924. She was the youngest daughter of the late James and Catherine Kelly and was predeceased by her sisters, Frances and Kathleen.
Educated in St Dominic’s High School in Belfast, she joined the Civil Service, working in the Department of Agriculture and later as Chief Superintendent of Typists.
Margery’s skill, integrity and commitment to her work were recognised when she was awarded an MBE for outstanding service.
In 1974 she came to live in Ardenlee Gardens after having lost her home in the Troubles and quickly became involved in many local activities. She loved amateur dramatics and the arts in Downpatrick and expanded her interests in music, painting, creative writing and poetry, later taking up bridge.
For a time she worked with the Citizens’ Advice Bureau. She also started a theatre group and organised trips to shows and other places of cultural and educational interest.
A woman of strong faith, Margery loved life and people and had a gift for friendship that grew from her appreciation and understanding of human nature.
Everyone she met experienced her graciousness, hospitable spirit and gratitude. She loved her relatives and friends, both old and new.
Margery possessed a keen sense of humour and always enjoyed fun and good company and is sadly missed.
Her funeral took place to St Patrick’s Church, Saul, on January 7.