Obituary: Mrs. Anna (Dot) Mayo

Born in July, 1921, to Sarah and William O’Reilly, she was christened Anna Maureen but she became known as Dot after a character in a book she read with her mother as a young child.

She always looked back on her younger days and times growing up in Ballymena, amid a very supportive family, with tremendous fondness and regaled all who would listen with great stories about her life.

After leaving school, Dot began working as a cinema usherette in the town and became well known to cinema-goers from a wide area who, no doubt, will remember her fondly for her high spirits and good humour.

She had a lifelong love of film and fully appreciated her dream job of cinema manager.

Dot became the first GI bride to marry in Ballymena and had two sons, Cline and the late Robert.

At her funeral Mass on Sunday, in his Homily, Fr Patrick Delargy said she was a true Christian and a person of tremendous faith.

Referring to a reading from St Paul to the Thessalonians, Fr Delargy said: “St. Paul says we are to be good examples for other people and he tells us what to do. I think Dot ticked most of the boxes. She tried her best to follow the good example Paul talked about”.

He added: “People who knew her say she was naturally enthusiastic and lively and always good company no matter what the subject matter.

“Although small in size she was the biggest character and the centre of family life, well appreciated by her grandchildren. She enjoyed nothing better than having them all in the flat for a celebration and then settling down to watch a favourite programme or film.

“...Dot was definitely a joyful character who brought a smile to many a face”.

Dot, who was interred at Crebilly Cemetery on Sunday following a Funeral Mass in the Church of Our Lady Harryville, is survived by her son, Cline, daughters-in-law Sally and Sandra, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.