Drumgar, Newport and late of Kilsallagh, Westport, Co Mayo
Mary passed away on August 3, 2022. She was one of eight children and the eldest girl born on October 16, 1951, to parents Michael and Kathleen Kilcoyne, Kilsallagh, Post Office, Westport, Co Mayo. She was sadly pre-deceased by her infant brother, her brother Kevin, parents Michael and Kathleen and sister Majella.
Mary attended Killsallagh National School and following that her Secondary Education at the Presentation College in Oranmore, where she made many friends. On completion of her education she started her career in the Civil service, initially in the Department of Agriculture and Forestry in Dublin, following on from that she moved to the Motor Tax Office, Castlebar.
In 1976 Mary married John Joe and moved to Fahy, leaving her career to focus on family. She went on to have three children, Anna Marie, Michael and Richard and was happy to stay at home. She had a love for the outdoors and working the land in particular, she loved milking cows, saving turf and hay. As the children got older Mary returned to work in McGreevy’s Toy Shop and later in O’Donnells Shoe Shop. She loved both roles and we have lost count of the number of times people have said to us that they got to know Mary when she worked in Westport and of all the “First Shoes” she fitted while working in O’Donnells Shoe Shop.
Mary was much loved and respected in the community of Fahy. She was always available for a chat and a cup of tea, which was invariably accompanied by some home baked treats. She always found the good in everyone and would always put the needs of her family and others before her own. A woman of deep faith, she always attended weekly Mass and took an active role in the parish administration. Mary was a devout pioneer for all her life. In later years she would tune in to Sunday Mass on Mid-West Radio.
Mary suffered a serious stroke in 2004, but being brave, determined, and a little stubborn, she fought back and made a good recovery, regaining her independence. She enjoyed visits every week with her sisters and family in Killsallagh. She attended the Cuan Modh Day Centre in Newport as well as the Ballyheane Community Centre (Irish Wheelchair Association) where she made many friends.
Family meant everything to Mary and the arrival of her grandchildren over the years brought her great joy. We have many great memories of her with them. Mary was happiest when they visited her and loved treating them to “wheeties” of which there were many to be found in Nannies fridge. She loved being surrounded by her grandchildren and wasn’t afraid to tell them when she thought they were being naughty. Mary loved when the house was busy and even with her declining health still insisted on making tea for all who visited her.
Mary will be sadly missed by her daughter Anna Marie Kilbane, sons Michael and Richard, son-in-law Larry, daughters-in-law Petrina and Lynn, her sisters Bernadette O’Toole and Breege O’Malley, brothers Padraic and John Kilcoyne, her adored grandchildren Eimear, Conor, Ríona, Éabha, Rowan, Róisín, Sadhbh and Ria, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, friends and neighbours.