'Always smiling and never complaining' - Convoy mourns the late Sally Bonner

Tributes have flooded in following the passing of a 97-year-old Donegal woman over the weekend. 

Sally Bonner (née Martin) of Calhame, Convoy, passed away peacefully at Letterkenny University Hospital on Saturday, January 11. 

Sally will be deeply missed by her sons Joseph, PJ and Declan, and her daughters Rosemarie, Collette and Eunice. 

She will also be missed by her “daughter-in-law Carmel, brother Billy Martin (Letterkenny), sisters Mary Nugent (Scotland) and Susan Gallen (Scotland), grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews and a wide circle of family, friends and neighbours”. 

Sally is predeceased by her husband Packie, son Shaun, grandsons Shane and baby James and her sister Rose McNamee.

The local community have taken to share their memories of Sally online as well as express their sympathies to her family. 

On her death notice on Condolence.ie, one person kindly wrote: “Sincere condolences to the Bonner, Martin, Nugent, Gallen and McNamee families on the sad death of Sally. We referred to her as the Chieftainess of the Martin Clan as she was the longest ever living member, into her ninety eighth year. There is no doubt that the gates of Heaven are wide open for your arrival Sally. Rest In Peace, on a life well lived.”

READ MORE: Death notices for Donegal - Wednesday morning, January 15

Convoy Londis shared the following post: “It’s with a very heavy heart,  we are devastated to announce the passing of our much loved Granny, Sally Bonner. 

“At the great age of 97, she had a long life filled with happy memories of her loving family, friends and the community of Convoy. While we take some comfort in knowing she will be reunited with other loved ones who have passed before her, including our Daddy Sean, our granda Packie and our cousin Shane she will be sorely missed by many. 

“Rest in Peace Granny. Love always, from Carmel, Mark, Ciara, Ryan and Leah,” the post concluded. 

A comment on the post from Jayne Long read: “Such a darlng lady. Always smiling and never complaining. A very hard working woman and fine example to those around. 

“She will be missed by so many friends and neighbours and not just her family. Love to all her nearrst and dearest.”

Sally’s remains are reposing at her late residence on Tuesday and Wednesday, January 14 and 15, from 12 noon until 10pm, with Rosary at 9pm on both nights.

Her funeral will take place on Thursday, January 16 at 1.15pm going to St. Mary’s Church, Convoy for 2pm Requiem Mass, with interment afterwards in the Old Cemetery.