Tributes have been paid following the passing of a founding member of Portlaoise Credit Union.
Phil Coughlan, née Dundon, passed away on Tuesday, July 30, aged 89.
Her funeral mass took place in St Peter and Paul’s Church this morning and she was laid to rest in Portlaoise Cemetery afterwards.
Phil, of “Curragha” Mountrath Road in Portlaoise, was predeceased by her husband John.
In 1959, Phil was one of the founding members of Portlaoise Credit Union.
She held a range of different roles in the credit union over the years and they paid tribute to her following her passing.
They said: “It is with heavy hearts that we learnt of the news of the passing of Phil Coughlan, a remarkable woman and an exemplary volunteer who dedicated so much of her life to Portlaoise Credit Union and People First Credit Union.
“Phil’s contributions and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on our community, and we want to take a moment to honour her memory.
“For many years, Phil served as a dedicated director and Chairperson of our credit union, leading with compassion, integrity, and unwavering commitment.
“Her role was not just a position she held, but a calling she embraced wholeheartedly. Through her voluntary service, she demonstrated the true essence of giving back, always striving to make a difference in the lives of others.
“In a time when the world around us was rapidly changing, Phil was a steady beacon of stability and kindness. She witnessed and guided our credit union through significant transformations, always with a vision of bettering our community.
“Her gentle soul and absolute grace were evident in every interaction, and she had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and heard.
“Phil was a lady in every sense of the word. She approached each day with a kind word and a warm smile, touching the hearts of everyone she met.
“Her generosity of spirit and her dedication to service are legacies that will continue to inspire us all. Phil was a true family woman, always getting her loved ones involved with the credit union by helping them open accounts and teaching them the importance of being part of the community.
“In this difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with her family. We share in your sorrow and extend our deepest sympathies.
“Phil’s memory will forever be a cherished part of our credit union family, and her impact will be felt for generations to come.
“Rest in peace, Phil. Your legacy of kindness, dedication, and community spirit will live on in our hearts and in the work we do each day. Thank you for everything you have given us. You will be remembered always.”
Speaking at her funeral mass, Monsignor John Byrne explained how Phil had lived a full life and only suffered a short illness.
He said: “I was actually surprised to learn she was 89 because, I think by any standard, we regard that as a long innings and an elderly person.
“But Phil never let the old person in. She maintained a positive attitude that was accompanied by a youthful appearance.
“She was never an old woman and up to a few months ago, she was a daily presence at 10am mass and afterwards in the Parish Centre.
“Phil was blessed with a long life and a wonderful family. She was a blessing of the people of this parish also and all who knew her.
Phil is the dearly loved mother to David, Stephanie (Lewis), Pauline (Mahony) and Bernadette (Rigney).
Cherished grandmother to Lianne, Meghan, Daniel, Aron, Luke, and Harry. Great-grandmother to Cormac, Billy, Faye and Carl. She is deeply regretted by her loving family.
Sister Gemma McCrohan, brothers Tone Dundon, and Ben Dundon, sisters in law Betty and Geraldine, daughter in law Sharon, sons in law Liam, Des and Shawn, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
May she Rest in Peace.
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