A Co Down funeral director has called for people to attend the funeral service of a beloved homeless woman known to many during her time living outdoors at a Dundonald park.
Ann Hillman, who previously resided at Moat Park in Dundonald for several years, passed away three days after her 72nd birthday on November 29 at Hollygate Lodge Care Home.
While many had come to know Ann during her time there, little was known of her life or family background.
As such, North Down Funeral Directors is calling for “as many people as possible” to attend her funeral to give her “the send off she deserves”.
* Please share * Hillman, Ann Died 29th November 2024 In the care of the staff (her friends) at Hollygate Lodge Care...
Posted by North Down Funeral Directors and Memorial Masons Bangor on Thursday 19 December 2024
“We know a lot of people did engage with her whenever she was living in the Moat Park, whether it had been doctors and nurses going to work or people just passing by,” said Tammy from North Down Funeral Directors.
“She’s a bit of a mystery. She never really told anybody anything and if she did it was always little bits and whenever [anyone] tried to question her she was like, ‘I’ll tell you some other time’.”
It is believed that Ms Hillman was originally from England, was previously married and had a son and a daughter.
She is also thought to have once worked as a cleaner at the Ulster Hospital.
During her time at Hollygate Lodge in Carryduff, Tammy said staff came to learn that Christmas was “her favourite time of the year”.
“Her favourite song was Fairytale of New York; she used to play it all the time,” Tammy said.
Melessa Corbett, manager of Hollygate Lodge, said that she will be missed by all the staff.
“She was just a lovely lady,” she said.
“She didn’t ask for anything; anytime you gave her anything you would have thought you had given her a million pounds. She was well cared for; the staff loved her.”
Ms Hillman’s funeral will take place on December 23 at 1.20pm in Roselawn Crematorium, Belfast.
More details can be found at North Down Funeral Directors’ website.
