'Lovely lady' from Mayo remembered by those who knew her

The death took place recently of Mary Rochford (née McLoughlin), Gurteen, Ballyhaunis, and formerly of Bracklaghboy and Tullinahoo, Kilkelly. She died peacefully in the kind care of the staff at Ave Maria Nursing Home, Tooreen.

Mary was predeceased by her husband Joe, who died on November 24, 2024. Joe was synonymous with Gallagher’s Hardware business in the town and was renowned for his knowledge and expertise in relation to homes and other such matters.

Mary worked for a number of years in Dublin during her young days, and friends from that time were among the many paying tributes to her in recent days. She was a kind, gracious, and good-natured lady who made time for everyone and was pleasant and courteous with all she met along life’s journey.

Joe and Mary had a great fondness for music and the country music scene and enjoyed dancing to their favourite singers and bands in various venues in those times and especially to Big Tom from Monaghan.

James Hunt from Kilmovee was among those who joined in the warm tributes to Mary last week. “Mary was a lovely lady, always friendly and loved a chat and often enquiring how all the family were getting on. She was a lady who never forgot her roots in rural Ireland.”

Reposing was at Donnellan’s Funeral Home, Ballyhaunis, with interment in Ballyhaunis Cemetery following the celebration of the funeral Mass.

Mary will be sadly missed by her daughter Rita, sons Joseph and Seán, her sister Kathleen (Bradshaw), brothers PJ, Tommy, and Michéal, sister-in-laws, brother-in-laws, daughters-in-law Noirín and Shelagh, grandchildren Mary and Michael, nieces, nephews, and many friends.