Laois County Councillors paid tribute to the late Rita Keenan at Monday’s monthly Council meeting.
Mrs Keenan passed away peacefully at Portlaoise Regional Hospital surrounded by her family.
Predeceased by her husband Tom, who was a Councillor, and daughters Geraldine and Sarah, Rita was a loving mother to Teresa, Mary, Bernadette, Rita, Pat, Tom and Phillip.
Laois Cathaoirleach Catherine Fitzgerald led the tributes to Rita.
She said: “She was the mother of Bridie, and the wife of Tom Keenan.
“Mrs Keenan was a neighbour of mine. A kind gentle lady, I am thinking of them all at this sad time.”
Cllr Willie Aird said: “She was a very nice lady, very quiet.
“I remember Tom in these times too, and all the families bereaved, it is hard times.”
Cllr Mary Sweeney added: “I particularly extend sympathy to the Keenan family, Rita was a lovely gentle softly spoken lady.
“May the sod rest lightly on her soul.”
Chief Executive John Mulholland also paid tribute to Mrs Keenan while a number of other people were also remembered.
These include the late John Hickey, Sean Dunne and Leslie Dunne Smith.
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