Tribute to Mrs Maureen Fitzgerald

Tribute to

Mrs Maureen Fitzgerald, Cloongownagh, Kildimo

1923 /2011 

The death occurred of Mrs Maureen Fitzgerald, relict of the late James, at Abbot’s Close Nursing Home Askeaton, on February 7, 2011.  Following her wake at home, her remains were removed from Downey’s Funeral Home, Pallaskenry, on February 9 to St. Joseph’s Church Kildimo.  She was laid to rest beside her husband in Kilcornan graveyard on Thursday February 10 2011 following Requiem Mass in the church she attended so assiduously during life.

Lisnalty, Rosbrien was where Maureen was born on August 14, 1923.  Her parents were Kate, nee O’Connell, formerly of Kilcornan and John O’Shaughnessy.  Her only sister Rita predeceased her the previous December.  Both girls were given a sharp lesson in human frailty when their parents died within six weeks of each other and Maureen was only sixteen.  Well used to farm work, the two girls took over the heavy duties of running the family farm.  Early education was at the old school in Rosbrien.

Maureen’s farming skills were put to good use when she married James Fitzgerald.  As well as milking by hand, she undertook the care of calves and the rearing of geese and turkeys for the Christmas market.  The farm income was also supplemented by her in producing eggs for local sales.  Organic produce was also cultivated for the family table and for feeding the six sons born to James and Maureen.  They lovingly recall their mother’s baking skills and her speciality rhubarb tarts.  Along with all this practical work, she took great pride in producing flowers to beautify the environs of the family home.

When the late Maureen’s health curtailed her many activities, she looked forward to a weekly visit to Mount Mercy Day Centre on O’Connell Avenue for her last ten years. When her final end came, her passing was as peaceful as the life she lived for her eighty-seven years.  Sympathy is extended to her six sons, Patrick, Seamus, William, John, Raymond and Thomas, her relatives in Rosbrien and her extended family.

Ar dheis Dé to raibh a h-anam.