Obituary: ‘A beautiful soul’ - the late Anne Buggy, Ballyshannon

The sudden death of Anne Buggy of The Abbey, Ballyshannon a month ago this week was learned of with great sadness, reflecting the esteem in which she was held by so many in the community.

The suddenness of her passing, taking ill without warning while out for a family meal in Ballina, was a huge shock to family and friends, something which was best expressed by Fr Paddy Dunne in his funeral homily: “It was a terrible hard shock to be taken so suddenly, such a beautiful soul that’s been such a huge part of this parish and this community.

"We offer our sympathies to family and extended family and the beautiful 12 grandchildren that she doted on.”

Born in Moycullen, Co. Galway on April 19th1947, Anne’s journey to Ballyshannon came via Dublin, where she met her husband PJ while working with the Dublin Health Authority. They lived for a time in Cavan before moving to Ballyshannon in 1976.

In her quiet spoken and gentle way, she was at her best when working in the home, her motherly instincts the highest of her many trademark qualities.

At her funeral Mass, con-celebrated by Fr Paddy Dunne, Fr Dermot Burke and Fr Tony Gillespie (Ballina), the gifts taken to the altar reflected her life - a Prayer Book; a Family Picture; an Aran jumper made by Anne; A Galway flag and a Candle to reflect her charitable spirit.

There was a guard of honour from her former work colleagues in the Sheil Hospital, from St Vincent de Paul, Rossnowlagh Women’s Group, Community Games and the GAA, among the many organisations that she gave of her time.

In recent years, Anne cherished her time working as a volunteer for the Ballyshannon chapter of Saint Vincent de Paul and the local ‘Meals on Wheels’ network. She was a passionate advocate of community activities for young people and previous years she dedicated her time as secretary of Marlins Swimming Club and Ballyshannon Community Games.

The huge attendances at the wake over two days reflected the esteem in which Anne and the Buggy family are held, not just in the local Ballyshannon area, but much further afield.

“She was a proud Moycullen woman, proud of her roots and her home. PJ says he was a very lucky man to have met such a beautiful soul in Anne. And they made a great team,” said Fr Paddy in his homily.

“Anne was PJ's rock and strength and anchor. They were like two peas in a pod. She was always there supporting him. They were very close in every way and their love rippled out through their beautiful family.

“When you were okay, she was okay. If you weren't she was lighting a candle for you or praying for you. You were her life in so many ways.

“You talk so beautifully about your mother's gentle heart, caring, kind, giving, ready to be there for you, whatever way you needed her,” said Fr Paddy, who thanked the family for the memories they had shared over the previous few days.

“So many people were drawn to Anne here in Ballyshannon, to her lovely gentle presence which allowed people to feel loved, to feel accepted. She was always very elegant, beautiful blond hair, well dressed, a true lady.

"But she was true in her heart with the love she shared with everybody, with all of us.

"That's what makes parting so sad, when we've experienced true love.”

Anne found great joy in baking, never more so than when her home was filled by the love and laughter of her children and grandchildren. She also loved walking, especially along the beach in Rossnowlagh which held a special place in Anne’s heart.

“She will be missed in the parish. She was a big part of the parish. I'm only here a year but Anne has been a big part with her beautiful presence,” said Fr Paddy, who reflected on the fact that Anne’s favourite hymn, ‘Make me a channel of your peace’ is from St Francis and the Franciscian Friary in Rossnowlagh had a special place in her heart.

The lovely booklet produced by the family for Anne’s funeral Mass contained an 11-verse poem, aptly named ‘Mum - Our Galway Girl’, written by daughter Aisling, truly reflecting the life of ‘A Beautiful Soul’.

After Requiem Mass, Anne Buggy’s remains were laid to rest in the Abbey graveyard.

Anne’s Month's Mind Mass was celebrated in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon on Sunday 27th October at 11 am.

She will be sadly missed as a great neighbour and friend in The Abbey, in Ballyshannon and by her devoted husband PJ as well as the entire Buggy family - Grainne (Ian), Donal (Mairead), Sinead (Adrian), Aisling (Paul), Pauric (Aine), Ciara (Brian), and Aoife (Andrea). She will be forever missed by her grandchildren Christopher, Anna, Matthew, Max, Lucy, Jack, Zoe, Noah, Olivia, Theo, Alex and Amalia.

She will also be sadly missed by her siblings, Padraic, Michael, Katherine, Bridie, Nora, Eileen, and Bernie, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of family, friends, neighbours, and colleagues. She was predeceased by her brothers Sean and Seamus, her sister Mary and her son-in-law, Kyle.

• PC