Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Annesley

THE funeral takes place tomorrow of Mrs. Mary Elizabeth (Lily) Annesley, of Robin Hill, Dundrum, who died on Sunday aged 81.

Mrs. Annesley was the widow of the late Mr. Gerald Annesley, the former owner of Castlewellan Castle and a major landowner in Newcastle and Castlewellan.

Like her husband, Mrs. Annesley was a highly respected and popular member of the community and was a patron and member of many organisations.

Tomorrow’s funeral will take place in St. John’s Parish Church, Newcastle. Canon Ian Ellis, rector, said Mrs. Annesley was a most faithful parishioner and will be greatly missed.

“I met her almost 20 years ago when she acted as Patron, on behalf of the trustees of the Annesley Estate, in my appointment as rector,” Canon Ellis recalled.

“Over the years I came to know her as a truly devout, Christian lady who was always immensely supportive and always had the welfare of the Church at her heart.

“She knew tragedy in her life but she was always full of faith and hope. I extend my deepest sympathy to the family circle.”

Mrs. Annesley was predeceased by her twin sons, William and James, and is survived by her brother, Mr. Amos Cromwell, of Banbridge.