In Celebration of Annie T Hannigan-Billman, (McSharry)July 20, 1936 – April 3, 2024
Annie was born in Glenade, County Leitrim on the 20th of July 1936. She was the eighth child of ten, to Thady and Honor McSharry.She is preceded in death by her oldest son Ronald Billman and husband Robert Billman. She is survived by her sons Richard Billman (Edda), Patrick Billman (Christine), grandchildren Caitlin Billman and Ryan Billman, and cherished family friend Jeanette Cardenaz. Annie is also survived by her two sisters, Finola in Reading, England and Philomena in County Mayo, Ireland.Annie often spoke about her time on the farm as a child in Glenade, a small village in County Leitrim. The village sits beneath two mountains, one of which is famous today known as Eagle Rock. She would often tell stories of her time working with the cattle and sheep on the “side of the mountain”.
Annie left Ireland as a teenager to Glasgow Scotland where she joined many of her sisters and brothers. She worked several jobs during this time but the one she spoke about most was her time as a conductor on the double-decker buses in Glasgow.Annie was eager to see the world, and soon left Scotland. She set sail and ended up in Southern California. She was proud to obtain American citizenship shortly after.
Robert Billman, Bobby, who grew up on a farm in Mission Texas, had similar aspirations to exit farm life and see the excitement California had to offer. Those were the days of the birth of the space race and the rapid growth of the California freeway systems, not alone the beaches and pretty ladies. Bobby was an electrical engineer fresh out of college and had just finished military service in Korea, he met this pretty young lassie from Ireland, Annie. The two married shortly after. They had three sons, Ronald, Richard, and Patrick.
Annie has always been known as a strong mother, raising three boys much on her own. She had several career jobs, one notable one being at Vita Pakt, an orange juice factory in Covina California.Annie’s Irish humor and stories afforded her many friends. It was often said she could tell a sad story but, in the end, you would all have a laugh.
Annie lived more recently in Murrieta, California where she enjoyed much of her time spent with her grandchildren, Caitlin and Ryan.Some of Annie’s passions were shopping, enjoying casinos, and telling grand stories.She also loved her garden where she would spend much of her days grooming rose bushes, and trees.We will all miss Annie and Annie’s grand stories, but we will hold them in our hearts for eternity.
The interment service will be at Laurel Cemetery, Murrieta, California in a private ceremony at a later date.