It is with great sadness to hear the news of your lovely mum's passing. Gosh, I only received a Christmas card from her in January here in New Zealand! I met Ann many moons ago (late eighties) when the current house in Blackmore was being built, I had not long being in the village when I met the Doherty Family, WoW my life was never the same again. Ann was so hospitable, hard working and determined, she had the patience of a saint raising six energetic children and wasn’t shy in giving her opinion but in a positive and meaningful way. Ann supported and guided me personally through some momentous decisions in my early twenties, helping me to shape the person I am today, now in my late forties. I sadly last saw Ann in 2001 before before moving to New Zealand and in 2006 I made an unplanned stop at her house but sadly no-one was home. Ann always sent a Christmas Card giving me mini updates of her children, grandchildren now adults of course and her travelling adventures to Europe with her friends. Boy! We had so many laughs back in the day, those two caravans during the building of the house on the front lawn could tell some great stories! If there was one thing that I had to choose to say about Ann (apologies for not attending her funeral) is not to forget Ann’s determination, motivation and her amazing achievements in life. I don’t think I have since met anyone vaguely like Ann Doherty, she was unique, kind hearted and would give you a Welcome into her home like you were a long lost friend. So with great sadness but truly wonderful memories I send Leanne, Tara, Karina, Paula, Petra and Ferghal lots of Aroha Maori for Love to you all Paul xx