Anne Burns It was with great sadness that the members of the Immaculate Conception Conference in Newcastle, Co Down, learned of the recent death of Anne Burns, a much loved and respected past President. As a retired nurse, her empathy and concern, especially for the lonely and housebound, those hospitalised or living in nursing homes, was an inspiration and incentive to us all. She was a very active Visitation member at a time when new social housing increased the work of our members. A woman of strong faith, Anne was, in retirement, a daily mass goer. She even went that extra mile by boarding the early bus every Thursday morning to attend the ‘Clonard Novena’. In recent times, when ill health was a cross she bore with great dignity, her devoted family ensured that her daily routine of mass attendance continued quietly. She awaited that final call that came suddenly in the end on 16 December 2021. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
86
Francis (Gusty) McElhone The members of St Mary’s Conference Killyclogher mourn the passing of their dear friend, Gusty McElhone. Gusty was well known throughout the locality as a true gentleman and great supporter of our local Conference. When Gusty retired in 1996 from a long and successful career in retail, he decided to use his many talents to raise funds for SVP. His wife Anna was then the President of our local Conference, so Gusty was aware of the great need in our community. He came up with the unique idea of selling Christmas trees in the village, with all profits being donated to our local Conference. Gusty and his good friend Brian Mullan became familiar figures selling Christmas trees and wreaths in all kinds of weather. It became a very worthwhile fundraiser and remains so to this day, having just completed our 25th year selling Christmas trees. Gusty’s wisdom and generosity of spirit will long be remembered by all of us who were lucky enough to have known him. May his gentle soul rest in peace. He is greatly missed by us all.
