Recent deaths 06-03-10

The regretted death occurred on 3rd February last of Mr Peter Blake, Parnell Park, Navan, at Our Lady's Hospital, Navan. Aged 76, he was predeceased in 2005 by his wife, Josie, and was retired. During his lifetime, he had initially worked as an upholsterer and later ran a grocery shop business at Parnell Park. Deceased was an active member of Navan Bowls Club and Navan Pitch and Putt Club. Mr Blake is survived by his son, David, Cork; daughters, Ann Smyth, Navan; Joan Nicholson, Navan; Paula Blake, Navan; Linda Browne, Delvin; Celine Smyth, Navan; Sharon Blake, Donore; Debbie Blake, Navan; 10 grandchildren; brothers and sisters; sons-in-law; daughter-in-law; extended family, friends and neighbours. The funeral took place from St Mary's Church, Navan, to St Mary's Cemetery. A months memory Mass takes place on Sunday next, 7th March at 10am in St Oliver's Church, Blackcastle, Navan. _____________________________________________________________ Helen Tiernan, Navan Mrs Helen Tiernan, whose funeral took place in Navan yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) was a founder member of Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services in Navan. The mother of nationally-known comedian Tommy, and actor and comedian, Niamh, died at her home at Balreask Old on Friday night. She is also survived by her husband, Kevin, a well-known Teagasc adviser, daughter, Anne, son, Brian, grandchildren Dylan, Jake, Kai, Eve, Molly, Isobel, Oscar, Louis and newly born Jack; brother Tom, son-in-law Matt, daughter-in-law Yvonne, best friend Maureen and many other close friends. Nee O'Brien, she was formerly of Clonmel and Carndonagh. Celebrating her Funeral Mass yesterday, Fr Dwayne Gavin described her a woman who was at the heart of family life who was devoted and very proud of her children and grandchildren. Her love of children came from her time teaching in Carndonagh, and also in Zambia in the early days, and not alone did she enjoy her own family, but had great time for the many children of her neighbours. He spoke of her sense of humour and her ability to mimic, adding that there was no prizes for guessing which member of the family had followed that habit. And many who spoke of Mrs Tiernan talked of how Christian she was, he added. In setting up the Women's Refuge, it wasn't unusual to find children from the refuge in the Tiernan household on a Sunday for dinner and time in a family setting. Family members, including Tommy, took part in the ceremony in St Mary's Church, which was followed by burial in St Finian's Cemetery. Her remains were carried from the Church to the air of 'Sliabh na Mban'. _____________________________________________________________ Patricia Cunningham, Navan Mrs Patricia (Pat) Cunningham, Drunmey House, Bailis, Athlumney, Navan, passed away at her home on 1st February last. Mrs Cunningham was predeceased in 1986 by her husband, Edward, who was farm manager at the former St Martha's College, Sion, Johnstown. Deceased was a member of the O'Brien family of Athlumney, Navan. In her youth, she was a member of the Red Cross (Navan branch). From the age of 12, she developed a passion for horticulture, which continued throughout her life. Mrs Cunningham was one of the founder members of the Irish Countrywomen's Association (Bamba Hall), where she produced a variety of organic vegetables, poultry, and home bakery. In addition, she was a keen member of the ICA Choral Society for many years. Deceased will be always remembered for her great capacity for life, avid interest in politics and 'chaotic sense of humour' and will be sadly missed. She is survived by her sons; daughters; son-in-law; daughters-in-law; grandchildren; great grandchildren; nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. The funeral took place from Johnstown Church to St Mary's Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Marcella Smith, Clonmellon We sadly record the death of Mrs Marcella Smith, Clonmellon. Aged 82, Mrs Smith, affectionately known as Noddy, was the only daughter of the late Edward and Mary Craddock, Clonmellon village. She was predeceased by her husband, John in June 1989 whom she missed dearly. Mrs Smith was a devout Catholic, a very private person and will be remembered as a lady at heart. Deceased is survived by her cousins Tony and Pat Jackson, Cork; in-laws and many neighbours and friends. Her removal took place from the General Hospital, Mullingar to St Peter and Paul's Church, Clonmellon, and following a funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Sean Garland PP, Clonmellon. Mrs Smith was laid to rest in Clonmellon Cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Nancy Renehan, Killallon Mrs Nancy Renehan, Killallon, Clonmellon, passed away peacefully at her home on 25th October last. Deceased was born in 1922, daughter of the late Michael and Margaret Tuite, Knockbrack, Oldcastle, and in 1945 married Eugene Renehan, Killallon. She and Mr Renehan embraced life, working happily together as a team for 59 years until her husband's death in 2004. Family life and religion was at the core of their being. They valued the friendship, love and support of their extended family and friends and were loved far and wide. Mrs Renehan was a mother, housewife, farmer and a highly respected member of the community. She loved music and was a member of Killallon Choir for over 60 years. Deceased loved life, forever young at heart she enjoyed everything in the world around her. She took an avid interest in politics, current affairs and fashion. She enjoyed reading and could converse in both Latin and Irish and had a great love for her country. She treasured her friends and her neighbours and enjoyed their company and loved nothing better than to entertain. Throughout her life and during her illness she never complained but took great comfort in prayer. Deceased will always be remembered for her warm heart, her loving ways, her unshakeable faith, her unrelenting love for her family and her wonderful warm smile. She is survived by her family of nine, 22 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Following Requiem Mass, Mrs Renehan was laid to rest in Killallon cemetery. _____________________________________________________________ Robert Walsh, Navan Mr Robert (Robbie) Walsh, 12A Watergate Street, Navan, and Woodlands Nursing Home, who died on Saturday last, aged 93, was, for many years, a watchmaker and jeweller in the town. He completed his apprenticeship in watchmaking under the tutelage of his father, Christopher, also a watchmaker, but then farmed for some years with Eddie Ward at Donaghmore, Navan. When his father died in the 1940s, Mr Walsh took over the Watergate Street shop and ran a highly successful watchmaking and jewellers business for many years. He retired from business in the early years of this century and entered residency of the Woodlands Nursing Home in Navan. He was predeceased by his parents, Christopher and Emily; sisters and brothers, Rosaleen, Mary, Paddy, Freddy, Teddy and Joe (a former editor of the Irish Press), and is survived by his brother, Colm, and sister, Bernadette (Detty) Lawlor. The funeral took place yesterday (Tuesday) to St Mary's Cemetery following Mass in St Mary's Church, Navan.