Roigh, Liscarney, Westport, Co Mayo
Mary passed away very peacefully on Sunday, September 4, 2022, in Mayo University Hospital. She was surrounded by her loving family and relatives, together with the wonderfully caring nurses of Mayo University Hospital.
Mary was born in Roigh, on February 17,1934, to the late Michael and Ellen Gavin. She was the second of six children. She went to school in Derrycroft National School and afterwards remained at home to help her parents on the family farm. In September 1958 she married Pat O’Malley and moved to Derryherbert, where they lived happily for 19 years. They had two daughters, Marie and Catherine. They moved to Roigh in 1977 to care for Mary’s ageing parents.
Mary worked hard on the farm, something she very much enjoyed. She was an accomplished dressmaker and knitter. She also turned her hand to rug making, furniture restoring, upholstery and wine making, all with great success.
Mary was an active community member throughout the years, serving on the Board of Management of Carrowkennedy National School, Cushlough Community Council and the Aughagower Apostolic Society, making garments for the missions. She also helped with the organisation of the annual parish trip to Knock.
Mary loved her garden and nourishing new shrubs. She was a wonderful carer and always seemed to be available, ready and willing to help family, neighbours and friends when required. The more she helped, the happier she was.
Mary learned to drive at the age of 61 and her car and the places she travelled, brought her great joy. Trips to Meath to visit with friends, was a regular occurrence.
She had a strong faith and could be seen heading for Mass daily, bright and early, be it Cushlough, Aughagower or Westport. Knock had a very special place in her heart, she made many a trip every year including every day to the Novena in August. She also made a number of trips to Medjugorje and Lourdes. A yearly trip to Lough Derg was also undertaken for many years.
Mary is survived and sadly missed by her daughters Marie and Catherine, sister Nellie McDonnell, grandchildren Paul, Eimear, Orla and Meadhbh, sons-in-law Colm Heraty and Anthony Harrison, Edel (Paul’s wife), sister-in-law Eileen, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and large circle of friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.