Mrs Ennis with principal Kieran Rushe and pupils on her retirement.

Rathbeggan's longtime lollipop lady passes away

The passing has occurred of Teresa Ennis, Growtown, Dunshaughlin,who for over 30 years was well-known as lollipop woman at Rathbeggan National School.
A tragedy led her to take on the role – her nine-year old Paul was involved in a fatal accident as he crossed the short distance from Rathbeggan National School to his family home at Growtown.
After that, Mrs Ennis protected the lives of many of the schoolchildren of Rathbeggan National School. For not long after young Paul’s death, she took on the role of lollipop lady at the school, a brave task as traffic volumes grew and grew over the years.   
When she retired, Rathbeggan NS principal Kieran Rushe spoke of Mrs Ennis’s dignity, patience and authority in carrying out her duties.
“You have to think of the bravery of Mrs Ennis as she took her life and the lives of the children in her hands,” the principal said.
She was the first person he saw every morning, with her friendly wave.
She campaigned to have cones, and later, safety measures such as traffic calming, road painting and kerbs installed so that this couldn’t happen, and was delighted to see the work done just before her retirement.
 Predeceased by her husband John, sons Paul,  and earlier this year, Tommy and brother Walter, she is survived by her family, Teresa (Meighan), Johnny, Meryvn, George, Paddy, Alicia, Felicity and Paulette, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sisters Annie, Phyllis, Peggy, brother Eddie, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
Tessie's remains are reposing at her daughter Felicity's residence, 3 Lagore Road, Dunshaughlin,  until 9pm tonight (Friday) and Saturday 21st from 3pm until 8pm. Removal on Sunday afternoon at 12.30pm to The Holy Trinity Church, Ratoath, arriving for 1.30pm funeral Mass. Burial afterwards in Rooske Cemetery, Dunboyne.