Annie Ashworth, a beloved parishioner, dies at 104, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and dedication to family and community
Waterfoot: It’s sad to hear about Annie Ashworth, a remarkable woman who lived to be 104. She was a real gem, always putting her family first and never letting age hold her back.
She passed away peacefully at home on December 18, and it’s clear she touched many lives. Annie worked as a cook and housekeeper at Kearns Mill’s Glen House, helping Irish women settle in.
She also had a job at JH Hirst, a footwear factory in Waterfoot, and was a dedicated parishioner at St Peter’s Newchurch for decades. Her daughter Margaret shared how kind and supportive Annie was, always cheering others on.
Margaret mentioned how devoted Annie was to her granddaughter Abigail and how she always encouraged education. Annie had a strong work ethic and could recite poetry like a pro. She even knew her multiplication table backwards!
Living a healthy lifestyle, Annie followed a vegetarian diet and took her vitamins. She never let age define her; to her, it was just a number.
Born in County Mayo, Ireland, Annie started working as a housekeeper at just 12. She moved to England in the 1950s, landing in Liverpool before heading to Lincolnshire to meet friends.
Throughout her life, she worked in various places, including Manchester, and met her late husband Thomas at St Peter’s, where they married in 1958. They loved dancing and enjoyed seaside holidays together.
Even in her later years, Annie loved visiting family in Ireland, often taking the ferry in her wheelchair. She was also a fan of knitting and cooking, especially Irish stew and soda bread.
Music was a big part of her life, thanks to her Irish roots. She even tried her hand at playing the piano and accordion. Annie was one of five siblings, and her family meant the world to her.
It’s a tough loss for the community, but Annie’s spirit and kindness will surely live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
