Below are the recent deaths in Laois.
Ar Dheis De go raibh a anam.
John Deffew
Emmet Street, Mountmellick, Laois
John Leo Deffew, Emmet Street, Mountmellick, Co. Laois and late of Callary Street, Tullamore, Co. Offaly. Passed away, peacefully, April 18th 2020, in the wonderful care of The Staff at St. Paul’s Ward, St. Vincent’s Community Nursing Home, Mountmellick. John will be remembered with love and sadly missed by his daughter Frances, son-in-law Sean, grandchildren Emily and Millie, siblings Willie, Andrew, Mary Murphy, Elizabeth McDonald and Anne Kelly, brothers-in-law Joe and Sean. John will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and his neighbours in Laois, Offaly and Clare. Predeceased by his beloved and adored daughter Eileen Deffew, parents Leo and Brigid, nephew Mark McDonald, Patterson Estate and sister-in-law Betty Deffew. ”Say not in grief he is no more but thankful that he was”. Loved always and forever till we meet again.
Johns family would like to express their thanks to the dedicated staff at St.Vincents who are working tirelessly to care for all their residents
Rest In Peace
John’s funeral will be private, due COVID 19 restrictions. His family will arrange a memorial Mass after the pandemic has cleared.
Sr. Romana (Rita) Hennessy
Shaen, Portlaoise, Laois
The death has occurred of Sr. Romana (Rita) Hennessy (Shaen, Portlaoise), Sisters of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary (Uxbridge, Middlesex and Zambia for over 40 years where Sr. Romana cared as a nurse and midwife across many communities).
In the kind and loving care of the staff and Sisters of Marian House, Uxbridge, Middlesex. Predeceased by her brother Billy Hennessy (Shaen) and sister, Sr. Amabalis (Sarah) Hennessy (Shaen & Uxbridge).
Deeply regretted by the Sisters and community of Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mary, brother Michael Hennessy (Chicago), sister Kitty Kennedy (Dublin), sister in law Mary Hennessy and brother in law Michael, nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.
Funeral mass and burial on Tuesday 21st April at 11:15 am in Chigwell Convent, Essex. A Mass to celebrate Sr. Romana’slife will be held at a later date.
Eileen Hynan (née Heavey)
Portlaoise Road, Portarlington, Laois
Peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Loving wife of the late Patrick (Paddy). Deeply regretted by her loving family John, Pat, Joe, Margaret, Peter, Chris and Martina, sisters Betty and Jean, brother-in-law Fr Joe (Australia), daughter-in-law Helen, sons-in-law Eugene and Simon, grandchildren David, Keith, Elaine, Eoghan, Shane, Seán, Orla, Theo, Darcy, Ericka and Rory, great-grandchildren Sam, Jake, Megan, Liam Sinead, Conor, Aoife and Blake, extended family and friends.
Due to the Covid 19 Directive a Family Funeral will take place. A Memorial Mass for Eileen will take place at a later Date. The family would like to thank you for your understanding and support at this difficult time.
Betty Keane (née Nash)
Monamondra, Errill, Laois
Betty Keane (née Nash, Monamondra, Errill, Co. Laois, April 18th 2020. Peacefully, at home, in the presence of her loving family in her 103rd year. Predeceased by her husband Tim. Sadly mourned by her loving family Margaret (Gibbons), Tadhg, Breda (Doyle), sons-law Bill and Joe, daughter-in-law Ina, grandchildren Gráinne, Eilis, Mairead, Síle, Tadhg, Brendan, Michelle, Aisling and Kate, great-grandsons Joey and Donagh, nephews, nieces, neighbours, relatives and friends.
As per the COVID 19 directive, the house, funeral mass and burial are strictly private. The family wish to thank you for your understanding at this difficult time.
The funeral Mass will be streamed from The Church of The Holy Trinity Rathdowney on Monday at 11am www.parishwebsites.ie/rathdowney/
Mary Laffan (née Dillon)
Ballycoolan, Stradbally, Laois
Mary passed away peacefully in the care and attention of the staff of Portlaoise General Hospital. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Patrick, her children Betty, Philip, Matt, Maggie, Peter, Liam, Marty, Joe, Dan, Maria and Stevie, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers, sisters, extended family, neighbours and friends.
In line with Goverment guidelines a private funeral will take place.
Mary Bergin (née Coss)
Ballymeelish, Ballybrophy, Laois
Mary Bergin (nee Coss), Ballymeelish, Ballybrophy, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. April 17th. 2020 (peacefully) surrounded by her loving family and in the loving care of the Matron and Staff in the Ealga Lodge, Nursing Home, Shinrone, Birr, Co. Offaly. Predeceased by her husband Thomas (Tom). Deeply regretted and will be sadly missed by her loving daughter Theresa, sons Thomas and Andrew, daughters-in-law, Kay and Ailbhe, grandchildren Thomas, Dylan, James and Hannah, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
In accordance with Government and HSE recommendations regarding public gatherings, a private funeral will take place for family only. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at a later date.
Andrew O’Connor
Dysartbeigh, Mountrath, Laois
Andrew O’Connor, Dysartbeigh, Mountrath, Co. Laois. Died 16th April 2020, at Midland Regional Hospital, Portlaoise, after an illness bravely borne with great courage. Beloved husband of Mary and dearest father of Collette, Amanda, Andrew and Karen. Sadly missed by his loving wife, children, sons-in-law Jason and Paddy, daughter-in-law Aisling, much loved grandchildren Louise, Naomi, Ross, Ryan, Rachel, Adam and Alex, brothers Noel and Patrick, sisters Eilish and Nora, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends.
In keeping with government guidelines regarding public gatherings, a private funeral will take place for the family only and a celebration of Andrew’s life will be held at a later date. Those wishing to leave a message of condolence to Andrew’s family can do so below. The family would like to thanks everyone for their understanding and support at this difficult time.
Christy (Bisto) Fox
Portarlington, Laois/Tallaght, Dublin
Formerly of Fettercairn Tallaght Dublin. Peacefully at home after a long illness. Beloved husband of Mags and dear father to David, Kieran, Michelle, Laura and Amanda, much loved granda to his 12 grandchildren. Sadly missed by his sister Kathleen and family and all the extended family.
Private Cremation to take place. A Memorial Ceremony for Christy to take place at a later Date. Mags and all the family thank you for all your help, understanding and support at this sad and difficult time.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Sunday, April 19, 2020
