With love xxx
donated in memory of Ann
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Ann Caroline McHale (15 Apr 1941 - 30 Jan 2026)
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AnnBritish Liver Trust
£596.14 + Gift Aid of £65.00
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- Location
- Grove Park Cemetery Marvels Lane London SE12 9PU
- Date
- 4th Mar 2026
- Time
- 1.30pm
In loving memory of Ann Caroline McHale, who passed away peacefully on 30 January 2026.
Born in West Malling to Daisy and Manuel Wilson, Ann was the third of four children and the only girl. With strict parents and older brothers, she grew up protected in her early years.
Mum met Dad while he was working on a bridge in Kent. On their first date, at a pub, she asked for an Orangina; he refused to buy a soft drink, and so her lifelong fondness for port and lemon was born. They married in 1966, beginning their life together in Bayswater, where Mum worked on Oxford Street. Later, they moved moved to South East London, and Mum took a job in a factory—an experience she often joked stripped away some of her innocence, as she “heard stories that would make your hair curl.”
I was born in 1968, Tiana in 1970 and Paula in 1974. In March 1976, we moved to Forest Hill and just six months later, tragedy struck when Dad was killed at the age of 45, leaving Mum widowed after just ten years of marriage. Mum devoted herself entirely to us girls. Her strength, determination, and love shaped our lives.
She worked in jobs to fit around school hours, ensuring we had stability and comfort. She was a loyal and conscientious worker, and the families she cleaned for became lifelong friends. For the Ogden's she became a guiding presence after the loss of their Mother and she, in turn, loved Digby, Hugo, Polly, and Toby.
After Dad's death, Mum continued taking us to Mass and chose to become a Catholic herself circa 1982. At St William of York, she met Kay and Sharon, friendships that would last a lifetime. Sharon and her family lovingly “adopted” Mum and she became Auntie Ann to Siobhan, Kelly, Sean, and Kieran and a sister to Sharon. Sharon and Mum shared countless adventures, laughter, and memories that enriched both their lives.
One of Mum's greatest gifts to us girls was keeping in contact with Dad's family in both Ireland and America, a presence that has enriched our lives. She adored her nieces and nephews and looked on her sisters in law Dympna and Maura as sisters.
Mum had a gift for people. She loved conversation, connection, and discovering the stories of others. Numerous family and friends have commented on the great 'chats' they had with Mum over the years. Additionally, if she was waiting somewhere, you could be certain that by the time you returned, she’d have made a new friend and learned their life history. Her warmth and curiosity made her unforgettable.
Later in life the family grew with the addition of her Grandsons Jonathan and Harry, who she loved fiercely. She found a new lease of life at 66 when she looked after Jonathan, taking him to nursery, rucksack music, the park and eventually school, with a weekly visit to the pub on a Thursday, which he had to call the green restaurant .
Mum's life was defined by love—love for her family, her friends, and the many people whose paths crossed hers. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness, resilience, humour, and unwavering devotion.
She will be deeply missed by her daughters, her grandsons, her sons in law, her extended family, her many friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her
wrote
Ann meant a huge amount to myself and our family. She helped bring us up after the passing of my mother as a child. Ann you are missed and thank you for always being there. Love to love, Hugo
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wrote
Heartfelt condolences to Maria, Tiana, Paula and their families. Auntie Ann will be deeply missed. She has been part of my life since I was a child; I have fond memories of being a flower girl at her and Uncle Sean’s wedding. She was very interested in family and community and seemed to be able to remember dates for everything! May her soul rest in peace 💕
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wrote
Ann meant the world to me and I loved her very very much. After my mum past away when I was only 6 months old, I was very lucky to call Ann my godmother for 31 years. She was a mother to me, and my three siblings - Toby, Hugo and Polly. I will always remember her laugh, our weekly chats on a Tuesday after school when she was ironing, and all the moments we spent together in between. She had a profound impact on my life and I will always love her wherever she is. May she rest in peace. Digby
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donated £100 in memory of Ann
Kate, Robin and I are so sad at the loss of a wonderful lady. Ann is in our thoughts all the time, and always will be. She was such a kind, loving, welcoming, generous soul. We send our love to Paula, Vince and all the family 💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜💜
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wrote
I knew Ann for almost 40 years ever since she first came to work for my family. She gave me and my children considerable support over the years, especially after my wife passed away leaving me with a young family to bring up.
My children, Toby, Polly, Hugo and Digby were always able to turn to Ann for advice and she was a steadfast presence in their lives as they grew up. She also became Digby’s Godmother.
Ann had a great sense of humour and I remember many happy and enjoyable conversations with her.
Ann loved our family over the years and we loved her and will miss her greatly. May she rest in peace.
William Ogden
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lit a candle
is attending the funeral
donated £30 in memory of Ann
Ann will be sorely missed as she was a friend to all. A generous woman both in hospitality and with her interest in others. A marvellous mum who loved her girls. A one off. Rest in peace Xx
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wrote
RIP Auntie Annie, you were some woman for one woman. You will be sadly missed by so many people xx
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wrote
Sending my sincere condolences to Paula and the rest of the family and many more,R.I.P Ann you were such a kind soul always there for everyone when they needed You it was a honour to have known You all these Years you'll be missed by all. 🙏🏾
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donated in memory of Ann
In memory of Ann, a loved and trusted neighbour. Julia and Jon
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is attending the funeral
wrote
Ann could not have been a better neighbour, or given our family more help over the many years we've lived in Devonshire Road, helping to keep our house in order, and looking out for us in every possible way. She was always a joy to talk to, and if we saw her sitting on the next door wall, waiting for her lift to arrive, we'd hurry across the road to have a word with her and collect the latest Devonshire Road news. Her stories were epic: family histories of her own and people she knew; those she had helped and those who helped her, deeply human and always relatable. Now each time I look across to the house and the wall over the road, I remember her with particular affection and feel glad we knew her - and am sadly aware of the gap she leaves in all our lives.
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wrote
Auntie Ann was an amazing woman and although I didn’t get to know her till later on in life she holds a special place in my heart ♥️ She was warm, sweet and always easy to talk to. Although she lived in England I saw her mostly in Ireland and my visits there will be forever changed. I’ll miss you Auntie.
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donated £26.10 in memory of Ann
R.I.P. Very sadly missed. Feel very blessed to have called you my friend. Sleep tight Darling xx
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posted a picture
Mum's 82nd birthday in the Bird for a drink after her manicure & Pedicure
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wrote
I first met Ann through Paula, when I moved to Devonshire Road as a young mum with a 4 year old daughter. That 4 year old is now 39 and still remembers that Ann was always interested in how we were doing, as she watched my family grow and expand into the next generation.
Ann was a kind and caring lady who would help anyone in need, and she often gave me advice or words of encouragement over the years.
She’s been a stalwart of the Devonshire Road community and will be remembered fondly by all of us.
I know that she will be greatly missed by her loving family and all that knew her. May she rest in peace.
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is attending the funeral
wrote
I'm so sorry to hear about your Mum's passing, she was a lovely, warm and kind woman, always smiling and a pleasure to know. I'm thinking of you all at this sad time, Ciara McDermott
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lit a candle
lit a candle
lit a candle
wrote
Rest in peace auntie Ann❤️
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Mum's 82nd birthday in the Bird for a drink after her manicure & Pedicure
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