The late Elizabeth Kaczmarek

Obituaries 15th June 2013

 Elizabeth Kaczmarek, Kilmainhamwood and Dublin

The death occurred on the 20th May last at the age of 103 of Mrs Elizabeth Kaczmarek, Hampton Green, Dublin, remembered as a gracious lady who remained active and independent to the end. Formerly Lily MacMahon of Newtown House, Kilmainhamwood, she was born on 30th March 1910, the second youngest of a family of 12. Her mother, Elizabeth, aged 47, suffered a stroke in 1919 and was laid to rest on Lily’s ninth birthday. Two years later in 1921 her father, John, aged 58, met a sudden death on Carlanstown Bridge which had been blown up by the Old IRA. Travelling from Kells unaware of the condition of the bridge, he plunged to his death on a dark evening in late February. That tragedy altered the course of history for Lily and her eleven siblings.

Along with her younger sister, Maureen, she was placed for a brief period as a boarding pupil in the Convent of Mercy School in Kells. Soon, their brother Eugene secured a place for the two girls in St Louis Convent Boarding School, Carrickmacross. There, they received their primary and second level education.

After leaving school Lily spent some time with her cousin, Minnie McHugh-Malone in Drogheda before acquiring a job in a retail confectionary shop in Camden Street, Dublin. At that time she lived with her aunt Rose Gray (nee O’Brien) in Glasnevin. From there she secured a similar position in the retail confectionary business of Italian, Geraldo Fusco, in Belfast. Her uncle, Canon Eugene Mac Mahon, PP, a native of Raferagh, Carrickmacross, invited her to come and live with him in his parish of Cleenish-Arney, Co Fermanagh. She spent a year and a half with the Canon but then returned to her former employment in Belfast.

Fired by her constant spirit of adventure she moved to Cambridge, England, where she worked as a receptionist in a medical practice. Ever eager to improve her lot in life she went to London and joined the Telephone Exchange. There, she was really happy and made many friends for life.

Lily witnessed two World Wars and lived through many other theatres of war and conflict worldwide. At the beginning of World War 11 she was compulsorily enrolled like so many women in Britain to fill the role of men-called-to-arms. She was instructed to study the geography of London, take an examination and train as a bus conductress on London Transport, a job she eventually enjoyed and looked stunning in her uniform. Sadly, in the early years of the war her fiancée, Walter, from Co Fermanagh, a pilot with the RAF, was shot down shattering her dream of a wedding already planned even to the minute detail of the purchase of her wedding dress.

When the war was over Lily worked in Corporate Catering where she met and entertained many dignitaries. In this role she encountered Andre whom she married in 1950. He was from Poland and was, in an earlier life, a chef on an ocean liner. Together, Lily and her husband were involved in house property in London.

Following her husband’s sudden death in 1989 she alone took his remains to Poland for burial with his family. Having spent 53 years in England, she returned to live in Dublin close to her sister, Maureen Liddy. At 81 years of age she bought a new house and threw a great house-warming party. Always ready for life’s contrasts she faced up to the sweet and the bitter alike and hosted more parties. Her 100th birthday celebration in the Station House Hotel, Kilmessan, was a testimony to her stamina and resolve where she addressed her 60 guests in an unscripted speech.

An avid reader and current affairs enthusiast she was also a keen photographer who amassed a treasure-trove of pictures for posterity. Many people who did not own a camera in the first half of the 20th century were 'snapped' by Lily and received copies as mementos.

Lily’s love of life and its benefits, her keen sense of Faith and fun and her commitment to serve others helped to keep her young at heart. She was mentally and physically intact until the ripe age of 103. One of her inspirational poetic compositions, ‘What Is It All?’ was recited by her nephew, Pat Liddy, at her funeral service in Glasnevin. Her niece and God–child, Maureen Murchan, delivered a tribute to her personality and her life-long endeavours. - MM.

Fr Michael Walsh, Tubber

The funeral took place last week in Tubber, Co Westmeath of Fr Michael Walsh, the retired parish priest there, who was a native of Navan.

Deceased, son of the late Dr Joseph and Gertrude Walsh, received his early education at Loreto, Navan, De La Salle and St Patrick’s Classical School. He went to Rome in 1951 and was ordained there on 16 March 1957.

He was appointed to All Hallows College where he became a professor of history from 1957 to 1977. He served as curate in Skryne from September 1977 to February 1981, then in Trim for three years before being appointed parish priest of Tubber in 1985. He retired two years ago but continued to live and work in the parish. He attended Bishop Michael Smith’s recent Golden Jubilee celebrations in Navan. Fr Walsh was a nephew of Fr Paul Walsh, noted scholar and historian.

He died peacefully at the Midland Regional Hospital on 3rd June and is survived by his brother, Brendan, sisters Joan and Eileen, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, housekeeper, Maura, colleagues and friends.

Mary Reilly, Crossakiel

There was widespread sadness following the death on 7th May last of Mrs Mary Reilly, of the Garage, Crossakiel, Kells, aged 92, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan.

She was a member of the Dunne family of Newcastle, Moynalty, and was predeceased by her husband, Michael, in 1966. After his death, she continued to run the family business and bring up her family of 11 children. She had many hobbies and enjoyed socialising with her friends and neighbours.

Mrs Reilly is survived by her family, Josephine, Kathrine, Pauline, James, Teresa, Julie, Dolores, Michael, John, Patricia, and Fenian; daughters-in-law; sons-in-law; 31 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren; sisters and brothers; nieces; nephews; relatives; neighbours and friends.

The funeral took place from Ballinlough Church to the adjoining cemetery, celebrated by Fr Andy Doyle, PP, Bohermeen. A month’s memory Mass will take place on Saturday 15th June at 6.15 pm, in Ballinlough.

Harold Lang, Oldcastle

The regretted passing of Harold Lang, aged 59, occurred on Monday 20th May last, at his home in Ballinamona, Oldcastle.

A native of Loughcrew, he is survived by his mother, Elizabeth Lang, sons Andrew and Harry, daughters Sharon, Sandra, Zanita and Noeleen; their mother Rose; sisters Patricia and Lisa and brothers Robert and Henry.

The funeral took place on Wednesday 22nd May from the Church of Ireland, Oldcastle to Loughcrew cemetery

Bridie Farnan, Skryne

The death on Ms Bridget (Bridie) Farnan, Oberstown, Tara, on 24th May last at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan, was the source of great sadness. Aged 82, she was a native of Skryne, and worked in her earlier years in The Glove Factory, Ashtown, Dublin, and later, in Eurofashion, Navan.

Deceased was a member of Skryne ICA and in later years, an active member of Dunshaughlin Senior Citizens Group, which she attended up to her sudden illness.

She is survived by her brother, Jimmy; sister-in-law, Peggy; nephews, David and John; niece, Sandra; grandnephews, grandnieces; nephew-in-law; niece-in-law; relatives and many friends.

The funeral took place from St Colmcille’s Church, Skryne, to the adjoining cemetery. A month’s memory Mass takes place on Saturday 22nd June at 10am, in Skryne Church.

Seán Kelleher, Tullaghanstown

The regretted death occurred on 24th May last of Mr Seán Kelleher, Tullaghanstown, Navan, at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan. Aged 79, he was a native of Connaught Street, Athboy.

Deceased was an active member of Athboy GAA club, Athboy Macra na Feirme, and both Dunderry and Athboy GAA clubs.

He is survived by his wife, Angela; brother, Murt; sister-in-law, Marceline; brothers-in-law, Joe Shannon and Seamus Cregan; nieces and nephews; relatives and friends.

The funeral took place from St James’ Church, Athboy, to St James’ Cemetery, on 27th May.

 

Patrick Arnold, Ardcath

There was widespread sadness following the death of Patrick ‘Sonny’ Arnold, Cloghan, Ardcath, on 27th May last at St Mary’s Hospital, Drogheda, aged 85.
A well-known cattle dealer and a farmer, Mr Arnold was a distinguished cattle judge and fat stock show man, winning many trophies. He also enjoyed ballroom dancing.
Deceased is survived by his wife, Bernie; daughter Breeda; son, Patrick; sisters, Vera Flynn and Nuala Bellew, as well as extended family and friends.  The funeral was attended by large crowds and took place from St Mary’s Church, Ardcath, to the local cemetery on Wednesday 29th May.

 

Annie-Bernadette Wilson-Undy,  Athboy and England

The regretted passing of Mrs Annie-Bernadette Wilson-Undy, Ardan, Athboy, occurred on 25th May last at Our Lady’s Hospital, Navan.

Deceased was a member of the McHale family of Athboy. She was a retired civil servant, an avid reader and a lover of crosswords.

She is survived by her husband William Michael Wilson-Undy; son, James Wilson-Undy, London, England; daughters, Gail Gabriel, Rushden, England, Bernadette Wilson-Undy, London, England, Patricia Hickman, Chertsey, England, Teresa Wilson-Undy, Shepperton, England; and extended family. The funeral took place from St James’ Church, Athboy to St James’ Cemetery on 29th May last.