Obituaries 20-08-11

The peaceful passing of Mrs Nell Morris in her 90th year at her home at Curragh, Carnaross, on 22nd July last, was the source of widespread regret. A member of the Healy family of Clonasilla, Carnaross, she was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Paddy Morris, in 2005, and her daughter Anne Conaty, Kells in 1998. Deceased was affectionally known as 'Granny Nell', and was a much loved mother and grandmother whose life centered around her large family. A lifelong pioneer, she had a great love for life and was very fond of music, gardening, crochet, poetry and arts and crafts. She loved to travel on various bus tours throughout the country and more recently attended the Meath Pilgrimage to Lourdes. A keen whist player, Mrs Morris was well known in card playing circles. Scrabble was also one of her favourite pastimes where she very rarely had a low score. She was a big follower of GAA and played camogie in her younger days. She was a loyal supporter of Meath and particularly her local club Carnaross, where she was an honorary president at the time of her death. Deceased was a pillar of strength and wisdom, who was always willing to be involved in committees and clubs in the parish. She played major roles in Carnaross ICA, Kells Country Markets, the Pioneers, Carnaross GFC and Carnaross Active Retirement, amongst others down through the years. Mrs Morris will be sadly missed by her family, friends and anyone who had the pleasure of meeting her. She is survived by her daughters, Mary McInerney, Kells and Helen McArdle, Carnaross; sons, Pat, London; Jimmy, Blanchardstown; Tom, Edmonton, Canada; Bill, Edmonton, Canada; Hughie, Carnaross; Oweny, Kells; Fin, Carnaross; Tony, Carlanstown; and Joe, Carnaross; sister, Nancy Lynch, Carnaross; sons in-law, daughters in-law, 42 grandchildren, 38 great-granchildren and one great-great-grandchild, nieces, nephews, neighbours and many friends. Guards of honour were provided by Carnaross GFC and Carnaross ICA at her funeral. The funeral Mass was concelebrated by Monsignor John Hanly and former parish priest Fr Patrick Casey in St Ciarans Church, Carnaross on 24th July with internment in The Holy Family Cemetry, Carnaross. _____________________________________________________________ Esther Brady, Kells The townsfolk of Kells and wider community were greatly shocked at the sudden passing of one of the area's much loved personalities, Esther Brady, Headfort Grove, the local lollipop lady for over 15 years. She was aged 54 and passed away peacefully at her home. Deceased will be remembered as a devoted wife, caring mother and grandmother and a loyal sister, friend, and neighbour. She will also be remembered by the thousands of children whose safety she looked after every day on their way to school. The care she showed to each child created many wonderful friendships with both the children and their parents. Many of these young people performed a guard of honour as the remains left the family home for St Colmcille's Church, and afterwards to the graveyard, joined by students, teachers, parents and council colleagues on the way by those schools on the Navan Road. The attendance at the funeral included the chairman of Kells Town Council, Cllr Brian Collins, and council members, officials of Kells Town Council and Meath County Council, and outdoor and administration staff of both councils, paying tribute to their late colleague. In his homily, Fr Liam Malone CC said that Esther Brady had always made herself available to offer help or support to anyone in her community needing it, and her sudden passing had left everybody numbed. He paid tribute to her faith and said her door was always open. Fr Malone was joined by Fr Dwayne Gavin, CC, Navan, a cousin of the deceased. At the graveside, Jean McGovern performed 'The Fields of Athenry' in memory of a faithful Celtic supporter. A member of the McGovern family, deceased is survived by her husband, Joe, daughter, Celine; sons, Kieran and John; grandchildren; brothers, John, Michael, Jim, Ciaran, Sam, Paul; sisters, Elizabeth and Imelda; son-in-law, Christopher; daughters-in-law, Patricia and Michelle; uncle, George McGovern and Agnes Carolan; nephews; nieces, and many friends. ____________________________________________________________ Mary Larkin, Nobber There was widespread sadness following the death on 22nd June last of Mrs Mary Larkin, 'Sacre Coeur' Nobber, at the age of 77, at her residence. Deceased was daughter of the late Eddie and Elizabeth O'Reilly of Kingscourt and married Monaghan man Edward Larkin in August 1957. The couple spent four years in London where the first three of their family of 14 were born. The returned to Ireland in 1961. Mrs Larkin was a devoted family woman who took great pride in watching her children grow into adults, and was equally proud of all her grandchildren. She had an avid interest in reading, watching television, particularly films and dramas, and the daily news. In spite of failing health in recent years, there was always a welcome and a smile on her face for anyone coming to visit her. She will be greatly missed by her husband and family, and is survived by husband, Eddie; sons, Edward, Dublin; Andrew, Kingscourt; James, Wexford; Peter, Nobber; Aidan, Dublin; daughters, Edwina, London; Catherine, Navan; Eithne, Nobber; Irene, Glasgow; Olivia, Dublin; Fiona, Navan; Roisin, Navan; 25 grandchildren; brothers, Bernard and Cecil, Kingscourt; Michael, Dublin; and sister, Ethna, Kilmainhamwood, in-laws, relatives, friends and neighbours. She was predeceased by a son, Edward, in infancy in London, daughter, Maura, in January 2007, and brother, Gerry, in August of that year. The funeral took place from the Church of St John the Baptist, Nobber, to Nobber cemetery.