Recent Deaths 13-12-08

Drogheda recently lost one of its well-loved and respected members of the community with the death of Mrs Kathleen O"Brien, St Mary"s Cottages. Mrs O"Brien (nee Boylan) was born in 1930 in Dulane, Kells. The eldest daughter of James and Julia Boylan, deceased was one of 11 children. Her twin sister, Anne (Nancy), died in infancy. Kathleen Boylan moved to Drogheda in 1950, initially taking up employment with the Drew family in Mornington. She subsequently spent several years working in the margarine factory on the Marsh Road, where she struck up many deep friendships which remained with her for next half century. She married Drogheda man, Patrick (Pat) O"Brien, from Millmount, in August 1955, and quickly became a close member of the extended O"Brien family. For almost all of the last 30 years, Kathleen maintained weekly visits with Pat"s sisters, Ita O"Brien and May Campbell. In 1956, the couple moved to what was to become their lifelong home, in St Mary"s Cottages. In this area of town, known as 'The Mount" to locals, they stuck up lifelong friendships with caring and much-loved neighbours, including sisters Nancy Byrne and Maureen Rice. Olivia was born in 1956, followed by Ann, Thomas, Dympna, Colette and Liam in 1971. Her house always bustled with the friendly chatter of friends and family and the welcoming aroma of homemade cooking and baking. Mrs O"Brien was famous for her brown bread, wedding cakes and Christmas puddings, often supplying her whole extended family with puddings, which she began baking as early as September. Mrs O"Brien"s family and friends were to become her greatest source of comfort when she lost her husband, Pat, as a result of his sudden death in 1983, aged just 52. She held a deep religious devotion all her life, making pilgrimages to Knock, Lourdes, Rome, Fatima and San Giovanni, and was a dedicated member of St Mary"s Altar Society, taking great pride and joy in cleaning and preparing of the church. She was also a regular attendee at the Perpetual Adoration in St Mary"s since its inception. For over 25 years, she was to provide daily caring and support to two of her neighbours, Kathleen and Eileen Tuite, who both suffered from reduced mobility, and until her death, continued to 'do the weekly shop" for their brother, Frank. Those who knew Mrs O"Brien will remember her for her constant good humour and grace. After 78 years of life, she remained warm, welcoming, good-humoured and was never able to sit still - she always had something to do or someone to help. As well as her own family, Mrs O"Brien was to remain the fulcrum of her extended Boylan family, with brothers John and Jim, sister Teresa and their spouses Mona, Gladys, and Peter, and nephews and nieces frequently coming and going to St Mary"s Cottages. Mrs O"Brien was to go on to become proud grandmother of 11 and the great-grandmother of a further four, with the birth of Caoimhe, Sadhbh, Callum and Sé. The majority of her extended family still live in Drogheda. Her funeral took place from St Mary"s Church, Drogheda, to Calvary Cemetery. Mrs M Fahey, Beauparc The death occurred on 12th November last of Mrs Monica (Mona) Fahey, Cullen, Beauparc, Navan, at her residence. Aged 78, she was predeceased by her husband, Tom, in 2000, and son, Thomas Junior in 1986. Mrs Fahey was a member of the Meade family of Newtown, Beauparc. She is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth and Jean Fahey and Mary Mejdi; grandson, Mourad Thomas Mejdi, all Cullen, Beauparc; nephew Shannon John McGruder Brown, and his wife, Valerie, Newcastle, Co Down; and niece Eloise Parkinson, UK. The funeral took place from the Church of the Nativity, Rosnaree, to St Erc"s Cemetery, Slane. Sarah LAWSON-MAHER, ARDBRACCAN After a long illness borne with exceptional bravery, Sarah Lawson-Maher died in London last month to the immense sadness of David, Jamie and Lucy. A funeral service and cremation were subsequently held in her home town of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire. Although not originally from the area, she will be fondly remembered and much missed in Ardbraccan where she restored the old Ardbraccan House and quickly became well known and much loved among the local community. A service to celebrate her life will be held next Saturday, 13th December at 12 noon in St Patrick"s Church, Donaghpatrick. All those who knew Sarah are invited to join her family at this occasion. Mrs M Newsham, Clonard The regretted death occurred on 15th November last of Mrs Monica Newsham (nee Donlon) of Bayleaf, Clonard, Enfield. She was aged 80. A native of Bayleaf, Clonard, Mrs Newsham was a housewife and was predeceased by her husband, Albert, in 2002. She lived most of her life in England, married her husband in 1975 and the couple lived in Sussex. She frequently visited her family in County Meath and always had a real welcome for them when they visited her home. She was a a wonderful lady who will be sadly missed by her family and many friends, both at home and abroad. Deceased is survived by her brothers, Larry Donlon and Patrick Donlon; sister, Sr Catherine Donlon; sister-in-law, Josie Donlon; nephews, Padair and Padraig, and nieces, Trina, Ruth, Aedin and Hilary. Her remains were removed to Clonard Church and the funeral Mass took place to Clonard Cemetery. Ms S Leahy, Clonard Sadness over a wide area was occasioned by the death of Ms Sheila Leahy, Abbeyfields, Clonard, at Mullingar Hospital on 23rd November. Ms Leahy, who was 93, was a native of Dublin and a daughter of Patrick and Delia Leahy. She worked as an accounts clerk. While Ms Leahy never married and had no children, she had 10 nieces and nephews spread around Ireland, Scotland, USA, Canada and Australia. She never forgot any birthdays and was truly loved by all her relatives. She had many friends and loved to walk in Wicklow and also loved to travel, especially to Italy. Deceased is survived by her brother, Des and sister-in-law Wyn, Enfield; niece, Mrs Jean Robertson and her husband Derry, Clonard, in addition to other relatives. Her remains were removed to Jordanstown Church and burial took place after funeral Mass to Mount Jerome Cemetery, Deans Grange, Dublin. Mr T Munnelly, Gibbstown The regretted death recently occurred, at the age of 90, of Mr Thomas Munnelly, Bush Road, Gibbstown, Navan. A native of Bharr Thrámh, Co Mayo, he was a farmer by occupation. Deceased is survived by his wife, Mrs Della Munnelly; sons, Tom and Michael; daughters, Kathleen, Roisin, Una, Mary and Anne; sisters, Bridget and Nancy; 13 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. The funeral took place from St Catherine"s Church, Oristown, to Gibbstown Cemetery. Mr F Tuite, Rathmolyon & London The death occurred in London, England, on 29th November last, of Mr Frank Tuite, London and formerly of Trammon, Rathmolyon. Deceased was husband of the late Gladys, and was also predeceased by his son, Alan, and sister, Chrissie. He is survived by his son Jeff; daughter-in-law, Georgie; sister, Agnes; brother, Michael; grandsons Christopher and Andre; brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. The funeral will take place in London on Tuesday next, 16th December.