Sadness in Mayo town following death of 'remarkable woman' in 103rd year

COMMUNITY NOTES: CHARLESTOWN - WESTERN PEOPLE (MARCH 11 EDITION)

The death took place, peacefully, at St Attracta’s Residence, Hagfield, Charlestown of Betty Hassett (nee Walsh), Airport Road, Charlestown. 

Her remains were removed from Horkan’s Funeral Home, Lowpark, Charlestown, to St James’ Church, Charlestown and burial took place after solemn requiem Mass to the cemetery of the resurrection. She is survived by her daughters Annette, Michele and Sharon, sisters Carmel, Dolores and Emmanuel, brother Eamon sons-in law Gerry, Derek and Joe, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews neighbours and a wide circle of friends.

The late Betty, who was pre-deceased by her husband Johnny, brothers Gerry, Paddy, Andrew, Frank, Nick and Eugene and sister Angela, was in her 103rd year and was a remarkable woman who experienced and witnessed so many changes in her long and active life. She was a lady in the true sense of the word who, together with her late husband Johnny, ran the old Premier Guest House on the square for the best part of 35 years and more before their retirement in 1993. 

She spent twelve years in London prior to returning to open the business and poured her heart and soul into the venture over the next three decades and more providing the general public with the best of service in terms of food and accommodation.

She was also a key member of the Charlestown Active Retirement Association and served as secretary of the group well into her nineties and was a superb organiser who was front and centre of all their activities and was first on the bus for all trips they planned and participated in.