Margaret Carson Died 2011

The death took place peacefully at Peterborough City Hospital, England, on Monday, December 19th, of Margaret Carson (nee O'connor), formerly of Dundalk.

Daughter of Charlie and Nora O'connor, Margaret was the eldest of five children, having two brothers, Matthew and Michael, and two sisters, Kathleen and Lily.

She attended the Realt na Mara National School, when she lived at 3, St. Alphonsus Road with her Granny Masterson and her Aunt Eithne. As a child she would have played in an area known locally as the 'Jungle' beside the Redemptorist Church. She always spoke of the happy times she shared whilst living with Eithne, Lily, John and Paddy.

In her teen years, Margaret worked in Rawsons shoe factory, making the famous 'Start Rite' sandals for children. She spent 14 years working there before moving to the Isle of Man and later England with some of her work colleagues.

Her close friend, Kathleen Quinn (nee Campbell) married and settled in Douglas and over the years the two kept in touch through letters and telephone calls, reminiscing about their time together in Dundalk.

Margaret loved dancing and prior to emigrating regularly went to hops in the Hibs Club and Town Hall with her sister, Kathleen, and friends, Bridie Kileen, Blondie Woods and Betty Doyle.

She moved to England in 1967, married Ivan Carson and they had two children, David and Sinead. She later became the proud grandmother of Daniel, Siobhan, Liam, Lauren and Margaret, and great-grandmother of Reece, Mackenzie, Jayden, Machalay and Ciaran.

Margaret had a love of gardening and took great pride in her hobby, her hanging baskets earning the admiration all who visited her house. She was always pottering around in her garden, and planting and replanting shrubs and flowers. She also had a love of animals and would regularly feed a local pony. Away from her home she helped out at Over-55s club in Peterborough and was a volunteer at The Women's Centre, offering support and guidance.

Over the years Margaret and her family regularly travelled back to Dundalk to visit her Aunt Eithne. She and her family adored meeting this special lady and spending time with her. One of the most memorable visits was in October of last year when Eithne celebrated her 97th birthday. Their birthdays were close to each other, and, sadly, so were their deaths, Eithne passing away just three days before Margaret.

Margaret was warm, loving, generous, compassionate, and an understanding mother and dear friend. The family have many happy memories and these they hold dear in their hearts and cherish them deeply.

After reposing at the Chapel of Rest, Margaret's remains were taken to St. Peter and All Souls Church, Peterborough, on Wednesday, January 4th, for Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr. Michael, who delivered the eulogy. Poems were read by grand-daughter, Lauren, and daughter, Sinead.

Following Mass, burial took place in Fletton cemetery, Peterborough.

Margaret is survived by her son, David, and daughter, Sinead; partner, Graham; grandchildren, Daniel, Siobhan, Liam, Lauren and Margaret; great-grandchildren, Reece, Mackenzie, Jayden, Machalay and Ciaran; brothers, Matthew and Michael; sisters, Kathleen Hunter (USA) and Lily Fitzgerald; nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her husband, Ivan.