Sawey, Michael
April 06, 2011Michael was born in 1923, the oldest son of Michael and Mary Ellen Sawey, who lived at 2 Donard Buildings, Main Street, Newcastle.
He was one of the first intake of pupils to the new St Patrick's Grammer School in Downpatrick, when it opened in 1934, and throughout his life he retained strong links with the school and its founders, the De La Salle order. He furthered his education at Queen's University until he came home to work alongside his brother Pat in the expanding family business of M J Sawey & Sons.
Working hard, he built up the business, opening offices in neighbouring towns and giving employment to many. Even in later years, he continued to take a keen interest in all aspects of the running of the business, passing on to his family the benefit of his knowledge and experience.
A keen sportsman from his youth, running cross-country for Ulster and excelling in both Gaelic football and soccer, Michael was a trustee member of the Mourne Golf Club for many years. He was also a member of Downpatrick Cricket Club and Newcastle Bridge Club. In retirement, he liked nothing more than a round of golf in the morning, a hand of bridge at night and an hour or two in the afternoon watching racing on television.
Michael lived for his family. In 1971, his first wife Finola, died from cancer at the early age of 45, leaving him with six children to raise single-handed. This he did with great love and fortitude until he met Anne, whom he married in 1980, much to the delight of his family. They too were blessed with daughters, Mimi and Anne. He was a devoted grandfather to his 14 grandchildren, although a special place in his heart was reserved for Nathan, who brought him so much joy in later years.
Having been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Michael bore his illness with great patience and was lovingly nursed by Anne. His deep faith and attendance at daily Mass gave him the strength to cope with the tribulations of life, especially he deaths of his only brother Pat in 1993, and his daughter Marion who died of cancer in 2004. His sister Eileen also predeceased him in 2005.
Michael's acts of charity down through the years to those in need were many, but always carried out in confidence. His family took great comfort from the many stories of his kindness and generosity told to them in recent days.
Michael died on 28 February 2011 aged 87 years. He is mourned by his loving wife Anne; his daughters Nuala (Castlewellan), Christine (Czech Republic) Mimi (London), Anne (Dublin); and sons Michael (Belfast), Richard (California) and Martin (Belfast); his son-in-law Aidan and daughters-in-law Miriam, RoJeanne and Jacqueline; also his sisters Maureen Curran, Etta Murphy, Anne O'Donoghue and Kitty Moclair, all of Newcastle, along with their husbands and families and the wider family circle.
Requiem Mass for Michael was celebrated in the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption. The chief celebrant was Fr Declan Mulligan, assisted by Michael's nephew Fr Colm Curran PP, Killyleagh and Fr Pat Corkery, acting PP, Inch Parish, Co. Cork. Michael niece Cathy Curran provided the music which greatly contributed to the moving ceremony. Another nephew Míceal, took care of the funeral arrangements with great dignity and respect. The large congregation in attendance was evidence of the esteem in which Michael was held and the sorrow of all those who knew him. He was laid to rest in the family grave at St. Mary's Cemetery, Newcastle.
Courtesy of the Mourne Observer
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