Mace, Claremorris
Formerly Dowd from Creggs, Co Galway, she met Paddy Nally when they both worked in Manchester. They were married in Manchester where they continued to live for a good many years before returning home and settling down in Mace. They raised a family of two, daughter Debora and son PJ, both of whom were at the heart of their lives.
During their time in Manchester, Paddy was involved in the plastering trade and, on his return, he joined up with his brother Mickey who has always been regarded as one of the leaders in this trade in the county. The Nally brothers and friends have undertaken numerous major projects around Mayo and further afield where their reputation for excellence is in a league of its own.
Maureen was a lovely neighbour whose gentle presence endeared her to all. She loved nature and cultivated a beautiful garden. It was much admired by all who passed the way. All God’s creatures had a place in her heart. She loved the animals and the birds and was happy and content when looking after the livestock on the land.
She also took great care of the many exotic fish which were in her fish pond in the garden which she maintained with marvellous devotion over many years. Visitors to the home were amazed at the variety of species which thrived under Maureen’s guidance and expertise in that field of activity.
As a neighbour, she was top class and enjoyed the goodwill and friendship of all in the Mace region. She could always be relied on to lend a helping hand and sound advice.
After the onset of her illness, Maureen maintained her pleasant and easy disposition. She was a person of deep faith and she was blessed with the gift of acceptance which saw her maintain a serene nature to the end.
Twice since Christmas I visited her in the Claremount Nursing Home. On the first occasion, the seasonal music was playing and the soothing voice of Jim Reeves rested softly on our ears and minds. We smiled as we reminisced about some of the singers and bands and the music she had enjoyed down through the years.
What struck me most was her spirit and her readiness to face death. She had no fear whatsoever in this regard, speaking openly about her illness and what lay ahead. She knew her time in this world was not long but she held nothing but the fondest of memories and a gratitude in her heart for all the good things in her life. She made all the arrangements for her funeral and wanted no grieving but for her family and friends to celebrate her life.
In all my years, I don’t ever recall having such a special conversation with a person in the situation that Maureen was in and seeing such peace and tranquillity radiate from her gentle heart. Maureen was truly a special person and she will be remembered with much fondness and affection by all who had the privilege of knowing her over the years.
Removal took place from Our Lady’s Funeral Home, Claremorris, to Barnacarroll Church with burial in the adjoining cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr Colm Burke.
She is deeply regretted by her husband Paddy, daughter Debora (Carlow), son PJ and Edel and grandchildren (Cork), brothers Paddy (Creggs), Tommy (Creggs) John (Manchester), Martin (Ballindine), Dermot (Manchester) and Peter (Creggs), sisters, Kathleen (Maynooth), Bridie (Manchester) and Helena (Creggs), in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and many friends. - MC.
