RIP: 'Beautiful in every way' - Warm tributes following Mayo woman's death

NANCY (Annie) Morley (née Coen), Carrowcur, Bekan, who died recently in the wonderful care of the staff at Mayo Hospice, Castlebar, was a kind, caring and elegant lady who was held in special regard by all who knew her.

Her gentle presence was welcome in any company and she had an easy rapport with all she met along life’s journey. Nancy’s gentle smile, friendly manner, good humour and appreciation for the rural way of life endeared her to so many.

Among the many and endearing tributes paid to Nancy (pictured) was one from Cora Barrett (nee Hussey), Ballina and Ballinlough: “Many years ago in Ballinlough I had the privilege of getting to know Nancy.

"She worked for our parish priest, the late Fr Malone, in his house across from the church of the Immaculate Conception. She became a friend of my mum, Annie Hussey.

“We got to know her gentle ways and friendly smile for those who called to the parish priest’s house. Mum used to help Nancy with catering for special events.

"When she met her husband, Michael Morley, they used to attend the carnivals in our local hall. She was beautiful in every way. I met her in later years on one or two occasions. I have such lovely memories of her from my youth. Everyone loved her.” 

Michael and Marion Nally, Rockfield, Barnacarroll, were among those joining in the tributes: “Nancy was such a lovely lady, friendly and kind hearted and always had a kind word any time you’d meet her.” 

Patrick and Margaret Morley said they were deeply saddened to hear of Nancy’s passing. “We had the privilege of knowing Nancy for many years and will always remember her as a true lady, with a gentle, warm-hearted nature.”

Nancy had a great fondness and affection for Knock Shrine where her daughter, Monica, has been to the fore in the Family Centre at Knock and who has co-presented the popular Sunday morning show, Faith Alive, along with Fr Brendan Hoban, on Midwest Radio for many years.

The community around Knock and Bekan and further afield joins with us in expressing condolences to the Morley family and many friends on the passing of Nancy, a lady who contributed so much to the wellbeing of her beloved community.

Nancy, who was predeceased by her parents Delia and Tom Coen, her sister Mary (Doran), her brother Pat (Coen), daughter Dolores (Walsh) who died in June 2025 down in Cork, and her grandson Shane (Langan), will be sadly missed by her husband Michael, daughters Alacoque, Bernadette, Monica and Carmel, son Brendan, grandchildren Emma Louise, James, Colm, Cian, Rachel, Chloe, Ben, Ava and Lauren, her sister Kathleen (Bradford) and brother Jim (Melbourne), daughter-in-law Fiona, sons-in-law Tómas, Tommy, Robert and Connie, sister-in-law Anne, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and friends.