Mrs Gertrude Noreen Breen – Lovingly known as Gerlie,
Ardoyne Belfast.
Passed away peacefully on the 27th November in the Mater Hospital.
Wife of the late George Breen and mother to Brian.
Gerlie was born in Newry, the daughter of Patrick and Winifred Burns. She had 3 siblings, Kevin Burns, Frank Burns and Eileen Cummins.
Gerlie went to Holy Cross school and was well known for her tom boy abilities at playing sport. She tried to join the choir but was unceremoniously removed because she refused to stop talking. A trait that was to be with her for the rest of her life. She finished school at the age of 14 and the following day had talked her way into a job as a waitress. Her natural ability to deal with customers soon earned her the title as “head waitress”. Later she was trained in silver service waitressing which gained her employment in high end restaurants and hotels.
She met and married George and soon after adopted their son Brian. The family moved to London where they spent many happy years before George and Girlie moved back to family home in Ardoyne to retire. Where she quickly became a pillar of the community.
Gerlie became very active in the Holy Cross Chapel, she joined the Legion of Mary and spent many happy years helping others. She carried her devotion easily; she never was overburdened with the trials that we all encounter through a lifetime. Gerlie always took time to stop and talk to others, shopping with her often took hours as so many people wanted to stop and chat.
Gerlie had many hobbies from antiques, gardening, reading. She loved going to bingo and gave the game credit for keeping her mental ability so sharp.
Gerlie loved to dance, her father taught her the waltz the age of 5, little did he know that he was sparking a passion that would last a lifetime. Gerlie was the first in the queue when line dancing classes started in Ardoyne hall and wore her cowboy hat with pride. She went to every tea dance she could for a chat and wee dance.
She loved her dog, she was often seen in the early morning walking her dog in all sorts of weather, stopping to chat with neighbours young and old.
Most of all Gerlie will be remembered for her quick wit, her stories and her laughter.
Monday 30 November 2020