Dumfries and Galloway Council Urged to Help Locate Grave of Murdered Gretna Woman
Donna Kelly is appealing to Dumfries and Galloway Council for assistance in finding the grave of her grandmother, Rebecca McQuarrie, who was tragically murdered in Gretna 81 years ago. Rebecca, also known as Ray, was brutally killed by Walter Waddell in 1943 in front of her children and mother on Annan Road. Her burial site, located in Girthon, is currently only marked by a large glass beetroot bottle, as the family was too traumatised to erect a permanent memorial at the time.
Donna Kelly, along with her daughter Nicola Carnochan, recently attempted to lay an inscribed slate at her grandmother’s graveside. However, upon reaching the cemetery, they discovered it was heavily overgrown, making it impossible to locate the grave. Donna, originally from Dalbeattie and now residing in Dumfries, expressed her distress at being unable to find her grandmother’s resting place due to the high grass obscuring the area.
In a heartfelt plea, Donna shared her disappointment at the council’s inaction in maintaining the cemetery, preventing them from honouring Rebecca McQuarrie properly. Despite their efforts, which included creating a memorial slate, the grass’s unchecked growth has hindered their ability to pay their respects. Donna emphasised the importance of showing respect by keeping the cemetery grounds tidy and accessible for visitors wishing to pay tribute to their loved ones.
Ray McQuarrie’s granddaughter recounted the harrowing events leading to her grandmother’s death, highlighting the emotional toll it has taken on her family over the years. Donna’s mother, Pat, who witnessed the murder as a child, along with her siblings and Ray’s mother Mary McQuarrie, have been deeply affected by the tragedy. Donna stressed the need for the council to uphold their promise of maintaining the cemetery and ensuring that her grandmother’s grave is visible and properly cared for.
Despite the challenges posed by her own physical limitations, including using a crutch due to a previous ankle injury, Donna remains determined to honour her grandmother’s memory. She shared poignant details about Ray’s life and the circumstances surrounding her untimely death, underscoring the significance of finding closure through a dedicated memorial at her gravesite. As Donna perseveres in her quest for justice and remembrance, she hopes that Dumfries and Galloway Council will heed her appeal and take action to preserve the memory of Rebecca McQuarrie.
The council has been contacted for comment on this matter, and Donna Kelly’s plea serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring impact of tragic events on families and the importance of honouring loved ones who have been lost to senseless violence.
[Summary: Donna Kelly seeks Dumfries and Galloway Council’s help in locating her grandmother’s grave for a proper memorial. Despite challenges, she remains steadfast in her quest for justice and remembrance, emphasizing the need for the council’s support in maintaining the cemetery grounds.]