A Loving Tribute to “Mum” – Anne McManus

Mum was born in County Mayo, Ireland and was the fourth eldest of a close-knit family of fourteen children. She was aged 14 when her youngest brother Kieran was born, and when her wonderful mothering skills were initiated, and why she chose to name her first born son Kieran.

She missed him greatly when she came to England in 1946, to work as a cotton spinner, in one of the Rochdale Cotton Mills. Mum met Dad who was also from County Mayo, in Accrington, and they were married here in St. Anne’s on St. Patrick’s Day in 1951.

They had seven children Kieran, Eileen, Imelda, Mary, Kevin, Peter and John (myself). Each was made to feel equally special, and our home was also a welcoming place for others to stay before they established their own homes in England or America. A family member recalls her disappointment when Auntie Bernie’s departure to America ended for her at Blackburn Railway Station. She thought she was going to America too.

Relatives, friends and neighbours were always made to feel welcome and she was noted for her hospitality. She was an excellent cook and loved hosting large gatherings with family and friends as Uncle Benedict will testify. As young children we enjoyed taking Christmas dinner to our elderly neighbours and there was also welcome for anybody who wanted to sit round her dinner table. As Imelda, who unfortunately can’t be here has written, ‘what she had she was willing to share with others and did everything with a generous spirit and a smile on her face, no matter how hard things got’.

Mum had many good qualities which she shared with us, including honesty, hard work, loyalty and integrity. She had a warm gentle disposition and was also non judgmental and inclusive, always seeing the positive in others. Mum touched and helped so many people in a positive way and always had a friendly ‘hello’ to anyone she met.

She enjoyed holidays to Ireland and America to visit family and we were fortunate to have a large family reunion, organised by our cousin Anne, in Ireland in July 2015. This also included a memorable day out to Westport with her sister Bridie.

Mum continued to work in cotton mills until her retirement at the age of 69. She was a gifted knitter, sewer and patchwork quilter and during her retirement got great pleasure from making quilts for us, as well as making many good friends at the classes she attended. She has also had pleasure in seeing her grandchildren progress and the arrival of great grandchildren has brought her much joy.

The love that Mum showed her family has been reflected in the way that we have all supported her in our different ways following her severe stroke in March 2018. She has also been met with much kindness and compassion by staff and residents at Springhill Care Home and Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Mum we will miss your presence greatly but you have left us with lovely memories and qualities of the kind of Christian we should strive to be. We are all so proud of you.