REMEMBERING
Imelda Hughes (née Trainor) – (1952 – 2010)

The recent death of well known and highly respected Aughnagun woman aroused considerable sadness and sorrow in the local community.  The esteem and affection in which Imelda was held through out the district of Newry, South down and South Armagh and further a field was evident by the large and representative attendance at her home, the funeral Mass in Saint Catherine’s Newry and at the interment in Carrickcruppen Cemetery.

Imelda who died on 17 December 2010 taught in St Paul’s High School, Bessbrook for 32 years.   Serving as teacher representative on the Board of Governors and Public Relations Officer for the school, she was highly respected by all.

Pupils and colleagues admired Imelda as one with a clear sense of justice, sparkling intelligence, and a great way with words.

Her practicality and common sense were invaluable, whether organizing a school trip, or managing the photographic sessions on Open Night.

Her career was marked by a desire to serve her pupils well, working hard, encouraging and counselling wisely as she did in her family and community.

She loved her subjects History and English, and was tireless in helping her pupils to be the best that they could be.

A great storyteller, she engaged them with colourful descriptions of characters and events from history, literature or just the local area that she loved.

The high standards she expected from pupils were the standards she exacted from herself.   To scores of young people she gave not just a teacher’s direction, but a mother’s care and advice.  The compassion with which she treated the most needy is legend.

She believed passionately that “learning’s easy carried” and she wanted it for all of her pupils.  She had an extensive knowledge of history and politics, was a voracious reader and film buff.

She connected with people, pupils and management; she had a bright smile, a pat on the back, a warm handshake or a ready hug for a colleague in need.

A vibrant woman, she was first on the dance floor at a staff dinner, and would preside at the podium with vigour to defend a principle, or challenge the status quo at a meeting.

Her wit and humour brightened the day for all those around her, and her infectious laughter, warmed many a cold corner of the school.

Imelda played camogie with passion and skill for her beloved Carrickcruppen and the Sacred Heart School.   Her understanding and love of Gaelic games gave rise to many impassioned discussions with the “experts” on the staff.

We offer our sincere sympathy to her husband Gerard, sons Garett, Daniel, Jonathan, David, daughter Catherine, and daughter-in-law Catherine, brothers and sisters.

Our deepest sympathy is also extended to all in their very sad loss. It is no exaggeration to say that we will all be the poorer for her passing.

Her living faith and great courage in her life and in the face of death is an inspiration to all of us.

May she rest in peace.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam uasal.

You are welcome to record a personal recollection or memory of Imelda Hughes below.  The messages published will be passed on to the Hughes and Treanor families at a later date.