Alan Francey Funeral Services

26/03/2026

Service of Thanksgiving for the Life of Mr Patrick (Paddy) McILwee R.I.P., on Thursday 26th March 2026 at 12.00pm in Alan Francey’s Funeral Church, Ballymena. ‘Peace is yours, memories ours’

25/03/2026

Many thanks to Robin at Studio Ten Detailing for once again carrying out an excellent job - this time on our Mercedes hearse. The level of care and attention to detail is outstanding, ensuring that our hearse continues to be presented to the highest standard.

25/03/2026

Acknowledgement Notice - Caroline Oakes

OAKES - The family of the late Caroline Oakes wish to express sincere thanks to all their kind friends and colleagues, extended family, church family and thoughtful neighbours, who sympathised with and supported them in so many ways, during their recent bereavement.

Our gratitude to all who attended Caroline's service of thanksgiving, called with gifts, sent cards, letters, telephoned or helped in any way.

Sincere thanks to Rev. Albert Baxter and Rev. James Burnett RNR for their prayerful and pastoral care throughout and for conducting Caroline's thanksgiving service; to the Elders of Wellington Presbyterian Church Kirk Session for all their care, compassion and prayers throughout difficult days.

A special thanks to Lieutenant Commander Samuel Nolan RN for the reading of the poem, to Air Vice Marshall Mark Flewin CBE for his kind words on Caroline's Military Eulogy, to Chief Petty Officer Stuart Guest for his calm and professional organisation and to Petty Officer Gareth Hooper for his ongoing compassionate support.

Also to Mrs Erin McBride, music director, for her sensitive musical contribution and to Jonathan Pope, on sound, for his willing co-operation.

We extend heartfelt thanks to Mrs Heather Marshall and team for organising such a delicious tea after the service

Finally, recognition and thanks to Mr Alan Francey and staff of Alan Francey
Funeral Directors, for the professional and dignified manner in which the funeral arrangements were carried out.

Trusting this acknowledgement will be accepted by all, as a token of our sincere appreciation.

23/03/2026

McILWEE, Patrick (Paddy) R.I.P., passed away 20th March 2026, peacefully at Milesian Manor Nursing Home, Magherafelt and formerly of Chichester Park, East, Ballymena. Beloved husband of the late Jane Jeanette, devoted father of Jennifer, Clifford, Pat and the late Stephen, a loving grandfather, great grandfather and dear brother.

Service of thanksgiving for the life of Paddy was held in Alan Francey Funeral Church on Thursday 26th March 2026, followed by interment in Ballee New Cemetery.

No flowers please.
Donations in memory of Paddy if desired and payable to The Donkey Sanctuary, Belfast c/o Alan Francey Funeral Services 94 Toome Road, Ballymena BT42 2BU or online by card at www.franceyfunerals.com

Paddy will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his entire family circle.

‘Peace is yours Memories ours’

21/03/2026

BLACKADDER, Ronald (Ronnie), passed away 20th March 2026, peacefully at Camphill Care Home and formerly of Crebilly Road, Ballymena. Much loved father of Lisa, loving grandad of Shannon, great grandad of wee George and devoted brother of Hughie, Maureen, Martin, Patricia, Billy, Susan, Sammy and the late Bertie, Jimmy, Malcolm and Margaret.

Service of thanksgiving for the life of Ronnie was held in Alan Francey’s Funeral Church on Tuesday 24th March 2026, followed by interment in Ballee New Cemetery.

No flowers please.
Donations in memory of Ronnie if desired and payable by cheque to Turning Point C/o Alan Francey Funeral Services 94 Toome Road, Ballymena BT42 2BU or online by card at www.franceyfunerals.com

Ronnie will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his entire family circle.

‘Peace is yours, memories ours’

16/03/2026

CLEMENTS, William Thompson, called home 14th March 2026 peacefully at his home, Ballygillen, Cookstown. Much loved husband of the late Anne.

Service of thanksgiving for the life of Thompson was held in Alan Francey’s Funeral Church on Wednesday 18th March 2026, followed by interment in Ballee Cemetery.

House strictly private.

No flowers please.
Donations in memory of Thompson if desired and payable to Donaghey Congregational Church Building Fund C/o Alan Francey Funeral Services 94 Toome Road, Ballymena, BT42 2BU or online by card at www.franceyfunerals.com

The family would like to thank the Connected Health and Marie Curie Care Teams for their wonderful care of Thompson.

Thompson will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by the Cardwell Family.

‘The day thou gavest, Lord has ended’

13/03/2026

McCloskey, Hugh Ernest passed away 7th March 2026, late of Galgorm Care Home, Ballymena. Interred in Ballee Cemetery on Friday 13th March 2026.

04/03/2026

Funeral Service for the late Mrs Elizabeth (Lizzy) McCluney (née Nelson) on Wednesday 4th March 2026 at 2.00pm in Alan Francey’s Funeral Church, Ballymena. ‘Loves last gift, remembrance’

03/03/2026

Caroline Frances Oakes
Lieutenant Commander CAROLINE FRANCES OAKES MBE RN passed away suddenly, aged 37 years old, on 13 February 2026. Much loved sister to Jen & Mark and Katrina & Mark, cherished daughter of Roma, favourite auntie to Eleanor, John & Monty, loyal friend and colleague to many.

A Service of Thanksgiving with Military Honours was held in Wellington Presbyterian Church, Ballymena on Tuesday 10 March 2026, followed by a private cremation at Antrim and Newtownabbey Crematorium.

Family flowers only. Memory sharing and donations in lieu of flowers, if desired, to RNRMC by visiting Caroline’s tribute page at https://ltcdrcarolinefrancesoakesmbern.muchloved.com

Will be Lovingly Remembered by her entire family circle, friends and colleagues.

02/03/2026

02/03/2026

Funeral Service for Mrs Martha Colgan (née McFarland) on Monday 2nd March 2026 at 12 noon in Harryville Gospel Hall, Ballymena. ‘With Christ which is far better’ Philippians ch1 v 23