Woman who always thought of others despite her poor health
DESPITE being born with epilepsy and learning difficulties, Helen Annesley, who died recently, was determined to make the most of her life.
Helen (47), who was brought up on the Coharra Road, Portadown, raised money for a number of charities and was an avid knitter and craftswoman.
After leaving catering college, she worked for Tiffney’s apple processors in Scotch Street, moving on to Mount Charles Caterers and eventually to Moy Park.
Her Christian faith and fellowship was a great strength and inspiration to her and she set about fundraising for causes she held dear.
These included the Disabled Christian Fellowship (DCF), Adopt a Child charity and St John Ambulance.
Helen visited Guatemala, Albania and Malta to see charity work in action and learned sign language to help bridge the communication gap when volunteering at the DCF home in Newcastle.
Helen was always quick to acknowledge the good works done by others and made nominations for the Mayor’s Awards so that unsung work in the community could be recognised.
Even the diagnosis of a life-limiting condition did not deter her in raising funds for her specialists at Craigavon Area Hospital - Dr Convery (respiratory) and Dr Forbes (neurology).
As an accomplished craftswoman she often did special commissions for those who helped her along the way, leaving behind a personal touch.
As her pulmonary fibrosis progressed, Helen moved to Edenderry Fold in 2005 with the help of family and friends. Her life was enriched by the staff and residents within the fold community, none more so than her friend Ann McKeown whom she regarded as “the sister she never had”.
It was thanks to a dedicated team of care workers that Helen was able to maintain her independence, which she cherished.
When in better health, she could often be seen out and about on her mobility scooter, with her oxygen cylinders, doing her shopping or volunteering with St John’s Ambulance.
Helen’s funeral service was held at Drumcree Parish Church. She is survived by her brother George.
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Saturday 25 May 2013
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Temperature: 8 C to 15 C
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