The late Bella Sanzone, Derrybeg was a much loved business woman

The death has occurred in the United States of Mrs Bella Sanzone, Carrick, Derrybeg.  

She had moved to live with family members in the United States at the beginning of the summer, passing away on October 27. 

Bella Phaidí Óig (née McGarvey) was born in Corveen, Derrybeg in 1942. She attended the former Bunaninver National School.  

Bella moved to work in Scotland in 1956 and was accompanied by her good friend, Mena. They secured a job in Meanskirk Hospital and they stayed there for a year.

Afterwards, Bella moved to the United States where she worked in the telephone business. She was the first Irish girl to work there and it was here she met her future husband, Tom Sanzone.

The couple were married in the United States and then decided to come to live in Gaoth Dobhair. They moved back in 1975 and had a new home built at Carrickmagarvey in 1980.

They set up a new television business which included supplying new televisions, installing aerials and hiring out television sets.  

Bella was very much a business woman looking after the financial end of the business and at the same time rearing a young family. 

After the death of her husband Tom, she and her son Eddie continued the running of the business.

Bella was an amazing woman with an amazing story. She had a deep and abiding faith who said her prayers and was very close to Christ and Mary. She said the Rosary every morning and every night, and got solace and great strength and comfort from it. 

Bella was also a keen bingo player and she will be sadly missed by many.

Her concelebrated asRequiem Ms at 11am on November 18 took place in St Mary’s Church,  Derrybeg. The celebrant was Fr Brian Ó Fearraigh, PP, and concelebrant was Fr Brendan Ward, CC, and Séiplíeach Phobal Scoil Ghaoth Dobhair.  

The soloist was Noeleen Ní Cholla, Carrick and was accompanied on the organ by Hugh Hiúdaí Beag Gallagher.  

Burial took place afterwards in Magheragallon cemetery.

Bella was predeceased by her husband Tom, daughter, Mrs Sandra Gallagher, sisters Máire Coyle and Méabha Ripperger, brother Joe  and grand-daughter Lorraine Gallagher. She will be sadly missed by her daughters Jacqueline Anderson, Rosella and  Maria Sanzone, son Eddie, brother Denis McGarvey , sister Gracie Rennix, in-laws, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family  friends.