Obituary: Rugby mourns loss of treasured family "queen" who had a heart of gold
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved Rugby woman who has been described as the “queen” of her family who had a heart of gold.
Mary Ellen Hannifin, 87, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Easter Monday (April 6) after a battle with her health.
Her death has shaken the community witth dozens of heartfelt tributes left on Facebook, one describing her as a “beautiful lady with a heart of gold”.
She worked in the laundry department at St Luke’s Hospital in Rugby and later went on to do cleaning work in the town.
Married to the late Patsy, the couple had four boys and four girls.
Mary was loved by her 33 grandchildren and 52 great grandchildren.
Her daughter, Margaret, said: “She was the queen of our family.
"Mum was very loving, very caring and never judged anyone. She was direct, but always gentle with her words.”
She said her mother was a great support to anyone who needed a friend.
Mary’s funeral will take place at St Marie's Church, Dunchurch Road, on Friday (May 15) at 11.30am. Her family said her funeral will be ‘fit for a queen’ and will include horses before the service.
Margaret added: “We wish to invite anyone who knew and loved mummy to attend her 'special day' where will will honour, respect and celebrate her life with peace and dignity just as she wanted and would hope for.
"This day is for our mother and she wanted it to be perfect and we hope you all will join us and make this day perfect and peaceful for her as her wishes which she truly deserved.”
Mary’s funeral will be followed by burial at Croop Hill cemetery in Rugby.
Here at the Rugby Advertiser and Warwickshire World, we like to include obituaries of people in the town to celebrate their lives. If you would like to remember a family member with a tribute, email [email protected]
You can also submit a family notice that will appear in the Rugby Advertiser by visiting https://www.legacy.com/uk/obituaries/warwickshireworld-uk/browse