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IN MEMORY OF JANE ADAMSON
Jane was born on 20th March 1980, one of four daughters to Peter and Jean McCartan. She spent her first two years in Taghnevan before the family returned to Hill Street in Gilford. Jane attended St. John’s Primary School before progressing to St. Mary’s School in Lurgan. As a child, she and her sister Kathleen used to have their own novenas in their bedroom and the May Altar was a favourite of the girls. She had various jobs in her life, including a spell in Wee Minnies where every shift turned into a night out, but most of her working life was spent in the local Spar here in Gilford where she first met her husband Stuart. Stuart says ‘it was love at first sight’ on his part anyway! She developed a close friendship with her boss, Cecilia – so close that Cecilia accompanied Jane to choose her wedding dress! Stuart and Jane were married here in St. John’s on 3rd November 2000, a Millennium wedding, but only after Fr. Paddy Joe Murray insisted that Stuart played four Gaelic football matches!!
Jane, like all the girls, was extremely close to their aunt Peggy who was a huge influence of their lives. It was from Peggy they learned about the caring profession. Jane worked in Sandringham Care Home and as a care assistant in Craigavon Area Hospital where she preferred the night shift when she could sit with vulnerable patients and bring them comfort.
According to her sisters Michelle, Shauna and Kathleen, Jane was very much ‘daddy’s girl’! Peter lifted her anytime, anywhere – just a phone call was required. Everything had to be referred to ‘Daddy’!
She had many affectionate titles – Belle of the Ball, C.E.O. of Facebook, the Queen of Selfies and, when working in Corrys, the Curtain Expert!
To say she was enthusiastic about sport is an understatement. Chelsea and Down were her favourites and it has been said that even the referees were afraid of her. When attending a match, the family quietly distanced themselves from her and attendance at children’s Sport’s Day was on another level. It didn’t matter if it was her own children or anyone related to her, her audible support would break the sound barrier.
She loved dancing and music, her favourite song was ‘Castle’s’ by Freya Ridings. Jane loved the craic and playing jokes on the family, including pinching the cooked Sunday roast from her sister’s fridge!
The happiest days of her life were when her five children, Brandon, Ethan, Dylan, Ryan and Ellen were born – they were her pride and joy. Jane was a gentle and sincere person and when she gave a hug, she meant it.
Very Ecumenical, she attended Mass here in St. John’s Church and Services in Stuart’s church. She loved the security of family and the highlight of her year was attending Christmas Eve Mass here in Gilford with her mum, dad and sisters.
An old letter written by her aunt Peggy states: ‘It only seems like yesterday that my wee love, my darling niece was toddling through my door, smiling at me and her granny. A ray of sunshine she was, from the very day she was born. Such a smile, it would melt the hardest heart. Her uncle christened her ‘Smiler’. Happy, sunny and smiling all day long.’
Jane had her own personal struggles and her family tried their utmost to support her but unfortunately on Monday afternoon, the struggle became too hard to bear.
The family urged anyone sitting in the congregation with mental health issues to please, please talk to someone or contact PIPS.
At the beginnning of the Requiem Mass, Jane's children brought forward some personal items reflecting their thoughts on their mum.
Dylan brought forward a trophy, representing Jane’s pride in her children’s achievements.
Ryan brought forward a family photo, representing Jane’s love for her precious family.
Ellen brought forward a teddy, representing all the hugs and cuddles Jane gave to her precious children and Jane’s own baby shoes, representing all the steps taken by her in her short life to overcome her personal struggles.
When tomorrow starts without me
and I’m not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
the way you did today;
while thinking of the many things
we didn’t get to say.
I know how much you love me,
as much as I love you;
And each time that you think of me,
I know you’ll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me
please try to understand,
That an angel came and called my name
and took me by the hand.
She said my place was ready
in heaven up above;
And that I’d have to leave behind,
all those I dearly love.
So when tomorrow starts without me,
don’t think we’re far apart.
For every time you think of me
I’m right there in your heart.
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