RIP: Mayo community 'pillar of strength' remembered upon passing

BREEGE Gibbons (nee Dever), Mayfield, Claremorris, Mayo, and formerly of Lettertrask, Keenagh, who died recently, was held in special regard by all who knew her over the years.

She had been in declining health for some time.

Breege made many special friends during her time in Baxter, Castlebar, where she was a cherished colleague and always showed such regard and respect for those she met along the journey of life.

Her husband Eamonn, a member of the well-known Gibbons family from Meelickmore, has been a highly regarded member of the staff of Telecom Éireann over the years and many of his friends in the western region have joined in the expressions of heartfelt condolences to the Gibbons family on the passing of Breege.

Eamonn and Breege had a special fondness for St Colman’s Church and were active in various aspects of the church life of the parish for many years.

Her son, John, speaking on behalf of the family, delivered a lovely tribute to Breege at the start of the funeral Mass celebrated by Fr Peter Gannon in St Colman’s Church where he was assisted by Fr Francis Judge from Crossmolina.

He said one of the traits especially associated with Breege was she was ‘dependable above all’ and gave invaluable advice to them all over the years as well as having an out-reach to all the family and always putting their needs over her own.

“She was a straight taker and had a strong moral code based on compassion and fairness. She was a devout Catholic and her faith was a guiding light in the dark and a source of peace.

She was an avid sports fan and a strong Liverpool supporter. She loved books and had an abiding interest in history and politics.

“She was our lighthouse in the dark, our moral compass, a pillar of strength and our greatest teacher, and now our January flower.

“You embodied the virtues by which I believe we should try to live our lives, honesty, devotion to your beliefs and family and an unwavering empathy for others in need, the power to see potential in everyone who could not see it in themselves, and a fearlessness until the last.

"Your life will serve as an everlasting example of the power of kindness and love,” said John to warm and appreciative applause from the congregation." 

Fr Peter Gannon said Breege was a very gracious person who valued the important things in life: “She showed so much gratitude along the way. Breege had such great devotion and this church has been so much a part of her and Eamonn’s lives over the years.

"The Mass and the sacraments were such a part of life. She was a lady in every sense of the word.”

Following the celebration of the funeral Mass, interment took place in St Colman’s cemetery, Claremorris.

Breege, who was predeceased by her parents Anthony and Mary, will be sadly missed by her husband Eamonn, sons John and Eamonn, daughters-in-law Jessica and Siru, her brothers Dennis and Richard, sisters Marie and Martina (Ryder), nieces and nephews, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, extended family and friends.