Late Anna Marie Leavy artist of international distinction

The death has taken place of the noted Mullingar artist, Anna-Marie Leavy, of ‘Hannafield’, Ballagh, Mullingar.

Mrs Leavy died peacefully at home on Sunday last, June 23.

Born Anna Marie Moss, Mrs Leavy grew up in Aughnahoo, Pettigo, County Donegal, and she first began giving expression to her talent by sketching men and boats on the Erne.

Sent to the Louis Convent in Monaghan for her second-level education, she continued with her art and won a scholarship to the National College of Art in Dublin, joining an architecture firm after graduating. Through that position, she was involved in helping design Galway Cathedral.

After marrying her husband, the late psychiatrist Oliver Leavy, Anna Marie found herself living in Dumfries in Scotland while he continued his medical training at Crichton Royal Hospital. While there, she taught art.

After Scotland, the couple moved in 1968 to Downpatrick, and then Dublin, but in 1971, they made Mullingar their home after Oliver was appointed to St Loman’s Hospital.

Anna Marie ran painting courses in Mullingar while continuing to paint and exhibit herself, both in this country and also in Japan and the USA.

She also exhibited jointly with her son, the artist Niall Leavy.

Mrs Leavy stated that her work was inspired by the Irish landscapes, their flora and fauna.

Anna Marie and Olly had seven children, but were predeceased by their son Kieran, who died in a road accident at 10 years old. As a result of their experience in losing their beloved son, Anna Marie trained as a bereavement counsellor.

Mrs Leavy is survived by her children Niall, Emer, Ronan, Aidan, Sarah and Rose Anna, their spouses and partner, Cécile, Bryan, Bernie, Marcela, Dermot and Aidan; her grandchildren Antoine, Clodagh, Tristan, Áine, Niamh, Cian, Róisín, Amy, Alex, Sebastian, Aran, Saibh, Daniel, Aodhín, Ólan and Caitlyn; her brother Joseph (Canada), sister-in-law Áine, nieces, nephews, relatives, and she is also remembered by neighbours and many friends. Mrs Leavy’s remains will repose at Gilsenan’s funeral home today, Tuesday June 25, and her funeral Mass will take place at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar on Wednesday at 11am, followed by burial at Ballyglass Cemetery.