Obituaries 01-12-2012

John Gavin, Clonmellon Mr John Gavin, of Killua, Clonmellon who passed away peacefully on Sunday 11th November at Mullingar Hospital, was a long-standing member of Meath Archaeological and Historical Society and one of the longest-serving members of the council of the society, having been first elected in 1994. Born in Dublin in November 1929 of Dublin parents, he moved with his parents to Killua, and then to Knock, Killua when aged seven. When he left school, he worked for local farmers but later emigrated to England where he worked on the railways. Deceased returned from England to care for his mother who was unwell and became a lorry driver in Ireland, firstly with Mr John McGrath of Fore, and then for McCann and Byrne in Athboy. He also worked for a period as a bus conductor. He was the last surviving member of his family. He is survived by his wife Betty, sons John and Patrick and daughter Imelda; sisters-in-law Patricia, Rose and Vera. His funeral Mass was celebrated in Clonmellon Church by Very Rev Sean Garland, assisted by Fr Tom Gilroy. Interment took place in the local cemetery. _____________________________________________________ Veronica Wright, Trim The untimely passing of Mrs Veronica (Lonnie) Wright, Avondale, Trim, on 30th October last, was the source of considerable sadness. Aged 61, she was a native of Lavey, Co Cavan, and died at her home. Deceased worked at the Bon Bon shop in Trim for 19 years. She is remembered as a wonderful wife, mother and friend. She is survived by her husband, Kevin; family, Ger, Jacinta and Ciaran; mother, Margaret Reilly; son-in-law, Steve; brothers; sisters; brothers-in-law; sisters-in-law; nieces; nephews; neighbours and friends. The funeral took place from St Patrick's Church, to St Loman's Cemetery, Trim. _____________________________________________________ Bridgie Morris, Kells The passing of Mrs Bridgie Morris, Lord Edward Street, Kells in her 95th year was the source of widespread sadness to her family, neighbours and a large circle of friends. A native of Clonmellon, Mrs Morris (nee Reilly), moved to Kells in the 1940s, where she married Willie Morris, who passed away in 1981. Always happy in her home, deceased was a gentle, welcoming person who enjoyed the company of many visitors. An avid bingo player for years, she rarely missed a weekly game in Kells, Clonmellon or Gibbstown, where she made many good friends. When her health began to fail about three years ago, she could no longer attend these games she enjoyed so much. Deceased had a deep devotion to Our Lady of Knock. She always made an annual visit to Knock, even in June this year. She also loved travelling and enjoyed a little flutter on the horses, especially when Johnny Murtagh was racing. Mrs Morris is survived by Paddy, Margaret, Emer and Darragh; her nieces and the Lynch family, Lord Edward Street Kells. Her funeral took place from St Colmcille's Church, to St Colmcille's Cemetery, Kells. _____________________________________________________ Frances Connell, Athboy There was widespread regret following the death on 9th November last of Mrs Frances Connell, Martinstown, Athboy, at the age of 87. Deceased was a member of the Brown family of Rathkeenan, Ballivor, a daughter of the late Patrick and Eva Jane Brown. She loved baking, knitting and sewing. She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick Joseph (PJ), in February 2000, and son, Val, in November 2003. Ms Connell is survived by her daughters, Marie McGovern, Martinstown; Bernie Flynn, Martinstown; Josie Caffrey, Athboy; Ann Caffrey, Girley, Fordstown; Olive Connell, Athboy; Caroline Davis, Clonmellon; sons, Tony, Martinstown; Kevin, Martinstown; John, Trim; Gerry, Kells; sons-in-law and daughters-in-law; 23 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. The funeral took place from St James' Church, Athboy, to St James' Cemetery.