Anne Healy

Born in Durham City, England in 1937, Anne survived the second World War as a baby and attended school in Durham and later at St Anthony’s Grammar School in Sunderland, County Durham, a well-respected school run by the Sisters of Mercy which was also the place of education for her two sisters, Margaret and Veronica.  Anne stayed there throughout her secondary education from the age of 11 to 18. Whilst studying there she took an interest in Convent life, having been educated chiefly by the nuns of St Anthony’s. She was also encouraged into that life by her Parish Priest, Canon O’Callaghan.  Mum and Dad missed her presence at home obviously, not least because times were hard - Dad being the only breadwinner as a school Caretaker, having escaped from coal-mining - the main occupation for men in Durham. Also, by then, there were sisters Margaret and Veronica and young son Vincent to feed.

Anne settled into her vocation and studied at Newcastle University where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Classics and later also studied music at the University of Cambridge.  She was Head of the Classics Department back in Sunderland and taught music and played the organ for all services at the Convent chapel.  After some 20 years with dwindling numbers at the Convent and greater workload, Anne decided to leave the life of a nun and obtain a job as a schoolteacher which she quickly did.  It was then that Anne met Martin, Dolores’ father, married shortly afterwards and immigrated for a number of years to North Island, New Zealand, where members of Martin’s family resided. Anne and Martin then immigrated again to Renton, WA, USA where Martin resumed his work in joinery and related building jobs. Anne took on piano tuition in the Renton area, organ playing at the local Catholic church and the normal tasks of a housewife.  There they lived happily for many years.  

They both succumbed to the illnesses of old age, and both are sadly missed.  Anne and Martin are now, we pray, both reunited in Heaven. 

R.I.P

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