The death took place recently at her residence, parklands , new road, Westport. of Mrs Margaret Cannon (nee O'Malley), formerly of Knockasproha, Carrowholly, Westport. She passed away peacefully in the loving care of her family on July 5, 2008. Predeceased by her husband, Charles (Chas) Cannon, She was aged 89 years, having been born on October 27, 1918, She was the fourth child of 14 children born to George and Mary Bridget O'Malley, The glebe, Burrishoole, Newport. At a young age, Margaret moved to Dublin to live with her cousins and go to school there. After completing the secondary school cycle, she worked in dublin for a short time before emigrating to England. She worked in England for several years, returning regularly to her native place. It was during one these holidays that she met Chas Cannon and a relationship started which was to culminate in marriage after she returned from England in 1952. The years of her marriage were undoubtedly the happiest of her life. They were blessed with three sons, Cahal, Michael and Seamus, of whom they were immensely proud. Margaret loved gardening and cultivated a beautiful garden at her home in Knockasproha, sometimes aided and abetted by Chas and always drawing the admiration of visitors to their home. She was a wonderful cook and the many visitors and friends who called to her home were always treated to the products of her cooking and baking, which so richly complemented the warmth of her welcome. When her beloved Chas died suddenly in 1987 she was deeply saddened. But she bore her grief privately and, being the strong-willed person that she was, she adapted to coping with the challenges which life with out Chas brought her. She moved to Dublin for a number of years where she got to know many people in her daily walk on the Phoenix Park. In 1999 she re-located to her apartment in Parklands, Westport, in order to be near her sister , Charlotte. Her enthusiasm and determination to live life to the full never waned and she got he very best out of all the challenges that came her way. Not only was she a good natured person, she also blessed with a very keen mind, a wonderful spirit of endurance and great strength of character. She loved life and enjoyed living it every day. A quadruple coronary bye-pass seven years ago was something she took in her stride despite being over 80 years of age at the time. Margaret kept right up to date with current affairs and listened with great interest to political debates and discussions. She loved the outdoors and was a keen walker. She got to know her neighbours wherever she lived and made a point of chatting to everyone she met She was very caring human being, always thinking of others, especially her sons, grandchildren, her own family and her neighbours. She will also be fondly remembered as a traditional Catholic, with prayer as a central activity in her life and home. Margaret is sadly missed by her sons, Cathal, Michael and Seamus, daughters-in-law, Anita, Anne and Catherine, grandchildren, Ann, Charles, Sinead, and Roisin, brothers, Tommy, George and Martin, sisters, Nora, Bride, Charlotte, Emma, Therasa, Grania and Una, nephews, nieces, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of friends. She was predeceased by her brothers, Sean and Michael, and sister, Maureen. Removal was from her Parkland's residence to St Brendan's Church, Myna, where Fr Jim Walsh, PP, officiated at the reception ceremony and was also the main celebrant of her funeral Mass. Family members read the lessons and prayers of the faithful and and also brought the offertory gifts to the altar. Hymns were sung by St Brendan's Church Choir. In his homily, Fr Walsh said jesus Christ and Margaret Cannon had shared their lives and their deaths and now shared the glory of the now resurrection. "They are now one, and the preface in this Mass tells us that when the body of our earthly dwelling lies in death we gain an everlasting place in heaven, because life is changed, not ended." Fr Walsh said Margaret was faithful all her life to Sunday Mass and the Rosary. She and her family had walked across the fields and the hills many times to take the front seats in St Brendan's Church every Sunday and at missions and devotions. Private prayer was also part of her daily routine. "We thank God for the long and full life that Margaret enjoyed. I extend my sympathy and that of all parishioners to her sons and to all her family and I pray that the lord will comfort you in your great loss", he said. Margaret was laid to rest in the family grave in Myna Cemetery. May she enjoy the peace of christ in her heavenly home. Ar deis De go raibh a h-anam uasal. Tweet

Most Read Stories