Recent deaths 20-06-09

The death occurred suddenly on 17th May last of Mr Noel Grace, Fr McCullen Park and formerly Maudlin Street, Kells, causing widespread shock across the north Meath area. Mr Grace was a retired army sergeant who had served in the Defence Forces with distinction over 45 years and was honoured with medals of bravery for his work on overseas missions. He also served as an instructor with the FCA in North Meath and over his career was to become a much respected officer for the manner of his training of young army personnel. Deceased also took a huge interest in Irish culture, was a fluent Irish speaker, a gifted writer, artist, photographer and gardener, and won many awards for his garden in the local Tidy Towns competition. He took a keen interest in nature and the landscape of the country, and wildlife, and his final hours were spent on a local bog listening to and appreciating the dawn chorus. Mr Grace also regularly contributed to the Meath Chronicle"s poetry pages at Christmas. He is survived by his wife, Sheila; daughters, Gillian, Anita, Heather, Sheila, Erica; sons, John and Keith; brother Dickie; sisters, Carmel, May and Josie; grandchildren, nephews, nieces, in-laws, relatives; and a large circle of colleagues and friends in the Defence Forces. The funeral took place from St Colmcille"s Church to St Colmcille"s Cemetery, where the Tricolour-draped coffin was escorted to by army personnel. Fr John Byrne, PP, Kells, and Fr Robert McCabe, Army Chaplain, Gormanston, celebrated the Mass. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Elizabeth Darby, Slane Meath lost one of its most senior residents on 31st May last with the death of Mrs Elizabeth Darby, Johnstown, Slane, in her 100th year. Mrs Darby passed away peacefully at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital, Drogheda. Deceased was wife of the late Tom Darby, a well-known shoemaker in Slane who passed away in 1977. She was also predeceased by daughter, Mary Therese in 1935, and son, Packie, in 1963. Mrs Darby is remembered as a very kind and welcoming person who was noted for having a good cup of tea and a table of homemade baking. She had a great love of music and sport and was a keen listener to local radio, especially the Sunday morning Mass on LMFM, which was very important to her. She loved to visit Navan Shopping Centre and as recently as last Christmas was there to purchase Christmas gifts for her great grandchildren"s santy sacks. Deceased is survived by her sons, Thomas, Deanhill, Peter, Leamington Spa, Martin, Slane; daughters, Kathleen Hughes, Finglas, Liz Finnegan, Danestown, Madeline Ludlow, Bellewstown, Marie Finnegan, Bellew, Balrath; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; grandchildren; great grandchildren; and great great grandchild. The funeral took place from St Patrick"s Church, Slane, to St Mary"s Cemetery, Navan. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Nicholas Gaynor, Ballinlough The death occurred on Sunday 17th May last, at Our Lady"s Hospital, Navan, of Mr Nicholas Gaynor (89), Patrickstown, Ballinlough, Kells. Mr Gaynor, who was a retired farmer, was very active in the Ballinlough community all his life and was a member of the Ballinlough side that won the county intermediate championship in 1954. He also played on the Meath Junior team. Deceased was awarded the Sean Gael award from Meath GAA a number of years ago and was an honorary president of Ballinlough GAA club at the time of his death. Deceased is survived by his wife, Eileen; son, Paul; daughters, Olive, Irene, Gladys and Carol; sons-in-law; grandchildren; relatives and friends. His funeral took place from Ballinlough Church to the adjoining cemetery. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ PJ Kelly, Hill of Down Mr PJ Kelly, Newtown, Hill of Down, who died suddenly on 23rd May last at St Vincent"s Hospital, Dublin, had dedicated a lifetime to the local GAA club in Killyon. Aged 73, Mr Kelly was an unassuming, generous and kindhearted man who loved every minute of his farm work. He was a lifelong member of the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association, and wore his gold pin with pride. Deceased served as chairman, secretary, assistant secretary and selector with Killyon Hurling Club and was honorary president at the time of his death. In 2005, he received the Coiste na Midhe Sean Gael award for dedicated service to the GAA. In 1973-"74, he was coach of the juvenile hurlers and the following year, was very proud when the Under 14 team represented Meath at Feile na Gael in Kilworth, Cork. He had a great regard and respect for all the players, and they for him. Mr Kelly had an interest in all sport, and was a fan of the Manchester United soccer club. Deceased is survived by his brother, Tommie, Newtown; sisters, Phyllis, New Jersey, USA, and Rose, Killyon; nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and a large circle of friends. The funeral took place from the Church of the Assumption, Killyon, to the adjoining cemetery. Killyon hurlers, past and present, formed a guard of honour at his funeral, and the coffin was draped with the Killyon flag and club jersey. A graveside oration was delivered by Kit Mitchell, chairman of the club, who ended with a recitation of 'The Hurler"s Prayer". ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Theresa Sheridan, Kells The death occurred peacefully recently of Ms Theresa Sheridan, Normanstown, Kells, at Our Lady"s Hospital, Navan, after a short illness. Ms Sheridan was much loved by many for her kindness and hospitality in her home. She was a person of great faith who worked for many years in the services of parishes in England, serving many priests in various parishes, most recently with Fr Duggan. Over the past year, she was cared for by the staff of St Colmcille"s Nursing Home, where she was loved by staff and residents alike for her great sense of wit, and even in her early nineties she was very active and loved to meet people. Deceased is survived by her brother, Willie; cousins, relatives and friends. Her funeral Mass took place in Mullaghea Church, celebrated by Monsignor John Hanly, PP, Carnaross, followed by burial in St Colmcille"s Church, Kells, where Fr Liam Malone, CC, Kells, conducted the final prayers. ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Tracy Smith, Navan The death occurred last week, of Ms Tracy Smith, 42 Troytown Heights, Navan. Daughter of Martin and the late Teresa Smith, she was aged 29 years, and passed away peacefully at Our Lady"s Hospital, Navan. Deceased is survived by her father, Martin; sister, Lisa; brothers, Derek and Alan; brother-in-law, John; sisters-in-law, Mairead and Marie; and nieces, Casey and Eva. The removal took place on Tuesday of last week from her home to the Church of the Assumption, Beauparc, with Funeral Mass on Wednesday, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Sincere gratitude is expressed by the Smith family to the staff of Coill Darach, Commons Road, Navan, and Tracy"s home help carers for their wonderful care and attention to all her needs over the years; the doctors and nurses of Our Lady"s Hospital, Navan for their excellent care; extended family, neighbours and friends for all their comforting words and kindness; and the Fr Peter Farrelly, PP, Beauparc and Fr Gerry McCormack, Adm, Navan, who celebrated the funeral Mass. A month"s Memory Mass will take place on Sunday 5th July at 10.30am, in the Church of the Assumption, Beauparc.