Sheeaune, Westport and late of Davitt Terrace, Westport
Roma was born on August 9, 1939, to Michael and Nora Maher, Davitt Terrace, Westport. She was the second youngest of seven. As she would say “living on the Quay Road was, when the door was always open and all were welcome. Everyone knew each other and you could be called to help a neighbour at any time”. That’s what was instilled in Roma from a young age and was with her all her life, that helping one another is the best you can do.
Roma received her education from the Convent in Westport and she excelled in the areas of reading, maths, sewing, dancing, singing and was an avid reader. Roma was a trained singer, but she was reluctant to sing in public.
She worked in Padraic McGreal Butchers, High Street and later in Hoban’s, James Street.
In October 1967, she married Paddy Joe and moved from a town lass to a country wife. She settled into the farming life as well as caring for her father-in-law Harry. Roma and Paddy Joe could be seen visiting the neighbours and helping out in what might be needed to be done and she loved a game of cards with friends and neighbours. She continued to do the same after Paddy Joe passed away in 1997.
Roma lived life as a Christian and Mass was important to her as well as the Vigils at Knock which would see her and her good friend Mary head off and only God knows what would happen i.e. late takeaway or an early breakfast.
In recent times with her declining health, Roma resided in St Brendan’s Nursing Home in Mulranny, where she received wonderful care from staff and she enjoyed the visits from many of her friends, neighbours and family. Roma had great faith and loved nothing more than this time of year attending the Novena’s in Knock and she had great belief in the Blessed Virgin Mary and so it was very fitting that she died on August 14, the eve of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Having no family of her own, Roma loved children and treated them whenever they would call. Midwest Radio was on all the time and would keep her up to date with the daily news.
Roma lived her life in simple Christian terms, hers was a life of devotion to others, doing good deeds for others, caring for others and being a person who witnessed her faith and practicing it by being a wonderful, caring neighbour and friend.
She lived her life caring for others and she never asked for anything in return.
Above all, her family, friends and especially her neighbours were the most important to her.
Roma may be gone to her eternal reward, but she will not be forgotten.
Thank you Roma for all you did for us during your lifetime. Rest in peace.