‘Queen Mother’ Bridie had amazing kindness

The new homes were so remote that Bridie’s son Jimmy remembers the army air-dropping food supplies to families by helicopter during the ‘big snow’.

From these early days, Bridie embraced her new community and neighbours, helping Fettercairn to grow through compassion, kindness and friendship.

“Mam wasn’t a lady who was into pats on the back”, her son Jimmy told The Echo.

With her late husband Chris

“However, if you asked her for help, she was there.

“She had the best heart in the world and a smile that would lead you out of a dark room.

“She remembered every birthday and loved her family, her friends.

“She was the most considerate, generous, selfless person you’d ever meet…and always shared the prizes that she won in bingo.”

Bridie, who would have been 90 this May, was one of the parish of Fettercairn’s first Eucharist Ministers and had over the years been invited to help welcome special guests to the area, including President Mary Robinson and President Mary McAleese.

A lover of bingo, crochet, knitting, Country music and Fianna Fáil, Bridie never shyed away from a challenge, and asked for a helicopter ride for her 83rd birthday – volunteering to be co-pilot for the flight.

When asked if the title of ‘Fettercairn’s very own Queen Mother’ is fitting, Jimmy said: “Absolutely.

“She was one of the longest and oldest residents in the area, and people used to cut her grass and help carry her shopping.

“People really loved her and the community was so helpful, especially after dad died.

“She had such amazing faith as well…and there was a big rainbow in the sky when we brought mam out of the house in the coffin.”

Bridie was also a member of Fettercairn’s senior citizen’s club, which, before the Covid restrictions, met every Wednesday in the Fettercairn Youth and Community Centre.

Speaking with The Echo, Mary Keegan, Fettercairn Estate Manager said: “Bridie was so family orientated and she loved her community and her club.

“She kept to herself in many ways but she left a lasting impact on those she met.

“She had this amazing warmth, kindness and welcoming smile… people loved her.

“She was very knowledable and gave great advice, and helped build her community, making it a better place to live for everyone.”

Mary added: “Her friends in the club are devastated at her loss but will cherish the lovely memories of her over the years.

“She was a gorgeous lady who will certainly be remembered.”

Bridie was laid to rest in Newland’s Cross on Tuesday, February 2, after a family funeral in St Mark’s Church in Springfield.

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