Anne Hastings

You always had a smile to share

A time to give and a time to share.

A loving heart so kind and true

These are the memories we have of you.

Obituary

Piecing together the life of a great woman who was always gentle, kind and loving, a woman we looked up to and admired, is really quite difficult,  when we know we won’t hear her words of wisdom or see her  smiling face again. This woman is our mum,  Anne Hastings the young woman from Clare Island, a nan, a sister, an aunt,  a reliable friend and an all-round diamond.  Mum always had a heart of gold and she worried and cared about everyone she met.  Over the years she met many people which meant she made room for them in her heart. Once you met her, you would never forget her.

Anne Hastings (nee Grady) Born in Bunnamohaun, Clare Island, Co Mayo, Christmas Eve 1929. Mum was one of 10 children.  At an early age, she went to live in Gurteen where she cared for her grandmother, so even at this very tender age mum’s independence was put to the test and her caring nature started to develop.  Mum stayed on the island until she was 20 years of age when she set sail for England like many young people at that time.  We would often say to her ,how brave she was to make that journey, as back then Clare Island to Coventry was a hell of a journey.  Her only regret was that because of circumstances out of her control,  she could not bring James(Grady) her brother with her to England. They were thick as thieves and had a bond which was so strong.  Mum often talked about the mischief they got up to – she was a great story teller

Once she landed in England, mum would often talk about the dances she went to and the fun she had.  It was at one of these dances where she met her soul mate.  “A fine straight man” from Erriff, Westport.   Pat Hastings, a perfect match and before long they married in Saint Mary’s Church, Coventry on 28th November 1953 .  

Money was tight and mum and dad worked hard to put a roof over their heads.  They lived in a bedsit  “with the auld’ lady in Colchester Street”  Coventry.  “A mean ‘auld woman” who was never grateful for the extra jobs dad would do for her. It was here where Mary, their first child was born.  So as you can imagine,  room was a little on the tight side. “But we were happy and we managed” mum would say.

Mum longed for a home of her own,  which at that time seemed only a dream.  Until one day her husband ” the Fine Straight Man” from Westport, came in  and said “Anne pack your bags I’ve bought us a house”. Mum packed their few things, not knowing where she was going and landed outside 7 Draycott  Road, Coventry.  This still remains home, and a home to anyone who comes to the front door. Mum never had a penny in her purse but you could be assured that when you went home, you would be fed, watered and would come away smiling.  

Mum knew what made a home and it wasn’t fine furniture, expensive curtains and best carpets. It was a place filled to bursting with love and laughter. It wasn’t always physically warm and we all remember bed jumpers and coats on the bed but emotionally there was no warmer place.  The door was always open.

7 Draycott Road was not only home to us her children, but we had many uncles and aunts who lived with us and mum looked after us all. Uncle Jim (Jim Murray) – originally from the island stayed with us for 15 years. Mum hand  washed shirts and fed hungry-bellies after a day on the building sites and never complained. She always made room and made the spuds stretch.

Mum was never happier than when she was with dad and surrounded by children or “gossers” as she called us.  She always told each and every one of us how proud she was of us all. Mum and dad were blessed with seven of us  Mary, Trisha, Tina, Paddy, Margie, Angie and John.  When the grandchildren started to arrive, she was in heaven. Kevin, SeΡn, Katie, Stephen, Carl, Liam, Laura, Sarah, Ryan,Adam, Megan and Joey Brown.  She believed in strong family values which we now reap the benefits of and her faith in God was always a talking point.

With her rosary beads in her hand, Mum’s faith was always strong.  In 2005 it strengthened when she was heart-broken when she lost her one true love,  Dad.  Not a day would pass when she would talk of dad, the craic, the dances, the struggles and how much she missed him. She would often say that she was only half a person now because dad made her whole.  She missed him so much and her tears would have filled a lake.

Mum shared her faith with her friends and priests at John Fisher Church Coventry. Mum was a fairly shy person but with a wicked sense of humour, she would share stories, smiles and of course would make sure Father Bob had his Sunday dinner every week.  There would always be a glass of Jamesonwhen he visited too.

Whilst mum will be missed by many people, she will be remembered fondly as the big Irish woman, Mum, Nan and Nancy. A kind and generous woman who was always there for you and who truly loved her husband and family, unconditionally.          

Mum’s funeral took place from Pargetters Funeral Home to St John Fisher’s Church Coventry where her requiem Mass was celebrated by Father Bob, Father Michael and Father David.

Readings were read by Kevin O’Connor (son-in law) and Stacey O’Connor . Bidding prayers were offered up by: Tracey Hastings (daughter-in-law), Margie Honey (daughter) and Cathel Grady (nephew).

Gifts reflecting mum’s life were carried to the alter by her grandchildren: Laura Hastings, Sarah Hastings, Ryan Hastings, Adam Hastings, Megan Honey and Joey Brown.

During the post communion refection,  John (youngest son) recalled mum’s life and the fond memories we will keep in our hearts forever.  This was also captioned by a booklet filled with great photos of mum

Mums coffin bearers were: Margie  Honey (daughter), Angie Hastings (daughter) Carl Lomasney (Grandchild), Stephen Lomasney (Grand Child), Paddy Hastings, (Son) John Hastings (Son), Liam Hastings (grandchild), Ryan Hastings (grandchild) Kevin O’Connor (Grandchild) and SeΡn O’Connor (grandchild).  Mum always said she had enough of us so we could carry her without a problem. And we did with pride.

Mum, who was laid to rest with dad in Lentons Lane Cemetery, Coventry is survived by: Daughters: Mary, Trisha, Tina, Margie, Angie, Sons: John and Paddy, her grandchildren, her brother Michael Grady (Clare Island) Maggy Grady (Clare island) Noreen Lucid (Coventry) and many nieces, nephews and friends.

As mum would say... “Good Night, God Bless, See You in The Morning, please God. We miss you. xx

Month’s Mind Mass for Anne Hastings on Easter Sunday March 31, at 10.00am. in Cushlough Church