Mary was an au pair (before it was trendy) and a chaperone, when my father became a lodger at The Hawthorn. She was a good friend to my mother and a stalwart to the family, running the place when they had a well deserved break, and most significantly held the fort (in Troubled Times) to let everyone attend our wedding in Dublin in 76.
My father was stopped and fined at the Border when he attempted to smuggle a pair of fur boots (requested by Mary). Said boots were often warmed in the Aga and memorably combusted one Winters Eve!
In her Retirement she took up Amateur Dramatics in Warrenpoint and when she wasn’t taking curtain calls regaled the queues in Warrenpoint Spar.
Later she rose early to welcome the ships to the harbour. She loved Rostrevor and in her eighties enjoyed the outdoor gym in Kilbroney Park.
A life very well lived!
Tuesday 19 March 2024
Mary and Arthur Arnot