A LOUGHMACRORY woman who passed away in her 101st year will be remembered for her kind and caring nature, mourners have heard.

Brigid (Bridie) Dobbs passed away on Friday at South West Acute Hospital (SWAH), surrounded by her loving family.

Mrs. Dobbs made headlines in January when her daughter Celine, who works for Royal Mail, made the journey from Tempo to Loughmacrory in sub-zero temperatures to deliver a birthday card from the King Charles III and The President of Ireland.

On Monday, mourners gathered at St. Mary's Church, Loughmacrory  to pay their final respects.

Their Parish Priest, Fr. Peter McAnenly, spoke of the celebration of that cold day in January when Mrs. Dobbs turned 100.

"Many have lovely memories of that Saturday afternoon way back in January when we gathered in her home to celebrate her 100th birthday," Fr. McAnenly said. "Indeed, her family will remember many of Bridie's birthdays that were celebrated.

"The celebrations were particularly special and very memorable. She was in great form and we thank God that she lived to see such a wonderful occasion.

"She was blessed with a full and active life, and she was in good spirits and good form close to the end of her life."

Born in January 1924 in Drumnakilly, near Omagh, Brigid left school aged 14 to work on her neighbour’s farm looking after cows.

It is no small coincidence that St. Brigid is the patron saint of cattle and milkmaids, and Brigid’s rural upbringing has stayed with her.

She married her husband, the late Michael, in 1954, and the couple had five children: Michael, Gertie, Celine, Philomena, and Kieran.

The family lived at the scenic Lough Fingrean, at the foot of the Murrins Mountain.

In this homestead, Fr. McAnenly said, much hospitality was given to passers-by.

"We often think of the very kind and caring and giving person she was, and how she wanted the best, and only the best for each one of you (her children)", he said. 

"She was a great cook and a wonderful baker, and very creative and good with her hands. For years she loved knitting, crocheting, and wreath making; she made clothes and even wedding dresses for some!

"Her door was always open as she welcomed visitors who called. She was very gracious and hospitable. She was very social, and for a number of years she went to the Seniors' Club in Carrickmore.

"We give thanks for the gift of life, and all the graces and blessings bestowed. What a wonderful blessing she was to so many people."

Mrs. Dobbs was a beloved wife of the late Michael, a cherished mother of Michael (Terri), Gertie O’Brien (Pat), Celine McCusker (Colin), Phil, and the late Kieran (Veronica).

She was a devoted grandmother to Paulina, Claire, Damian, Louise, Siobhan, Ciara, Niall, Fionntan, Fionnuala, and great-grandmother to Katie, Jake, and the late baby Fiadh.

She was a cherished sister of the late Peter, John, and Mary, and beloved sister-in-law of Ciss Daly.