In memory of Deirdre Conway
1960 - 2021

Deirdre was born 07 October 1960 in Lurgan Hospital and was the daughter of Cassie McAlinden and John McAlinden (RIP.)

She is the 1st girl born after 2 boys, Seamus and Aiden. Eldest girl out of a family of 6. Patricia, Gabriel and Cathy then followed. 

She is a Bleary woman, living there since birth before moving to Craigavon in later years and then returned to the family home. 

Deirdre attended Lilo primary school before going to Lismore. It was at Lismore school that she met Jim at 15 years of age. They were childhood sweethearts. 

They got married on 14 April 1984 in Laurencetown Chapel.  Jim liked to remind Deirdre she asked him to get married, not so sure that was the case. 

Jim's parents, Ann and Dan (both now deceased) always thought very highly of Deirdre, best daughter-in-law and they were so happy she met Jim. 

Deirdre worked in Saracens for many years, and made many friends. Over the last few days,  many stories were heard of all the laughs with her as she entertained them, one of which involved wellie boots on the wrong feet getting a sing song started with a song that she wrote herself.

She also worked at Something Different, a bridal shop in Lurgan. She then worked at doing alterations in Cido in Lurgan. 

The family came along; 3 children: Barry, Michelle and Declan to whom she devoted her time to and totally adored. Deirdre loved getting away on holidays and made very happy special memories. 

Then many years later the grandkids Caiden, Maddie, Alaya and Éanna arrived.

She doted on them, spoilt them and they brought so much happiness to their granny and granda's lives.

In 2019 she landed a job that she loved in Craigavon Hospital,  working as a ward assistant.

It was the perfect job for her as it suited her personality helping lift the mood of patients and staff in hospital too. She brought joy and laughter to everyone she met. 

She loved her work, and it was in work the day she got the sad news of her diagnosis.  

But although devastated, there was hope, as treatment started and everyone willing it would work and she would get better. Sadly wasnt to be. 

She fought hard and kept her faith until the end.