OBITUARY: Catherine Englishby (nee Conroy) was held in high esteem in her community

It was with profound sadness that the people of Carrickmacross, Ardee and surrounding areas learned of the passing of Catherine Englishby nee Conroy Stormanstown, Ardee, Co. Louth. 

Catherine passed away on Friday morning, 1st September 2023, peacefully at her home in Stormanstown. Her funeral Mass took place on Thursday 4th September 2023, in St. Malachy's church Reaghstown, Ardee and was brought to her final resting place in Reaghstown cemetery. The large crowds at the wake were a reflection on the esteem which Catherine was held in her community.

Catherine began her career in the Grafton Boutique in Drogheda and it was evident from the onset that she had a unique and individualistic style and quality together with an engaging personality, she was soon highly sought in the fashion fraternity.

She later moved to Winstons, Drogheda where she was in charge of the fashion department, all the time building a rapport and a strong customer loyalty base.

Catherine then moved back closer to home and began working in Paul Sharkey's Ardee where she commenced the buying in the ladies department. Her boundless energy, cheerful disposition and knowledge of fashion was a wonderful experience to encounter which again created a large following of loyal customer base.

Catherine, still at a young age, established her own business Uptown Girl in Carrickmacross in May 1986, where she quickly grew and developed her business and has become a well known landmark in the town of Carrickmacross. Catherine's unique style and flare for fashion endeared her to her customers.

Never content in standing still, Catherine relocated four times in town, continuously "raising the bar" and endeavouring to create and improve the atmosphere and ambiance for her customers. Although an astute business lady her shop was always a place to call for a lively chat and banter, always ready with a listening ear or to offer advice if requested.

Catherine had a great love of life. She was a wonderful homemaker, taking great pride in her home, loved gardening, and flower arranging. She enjoyed cooking and nobody left her home without enjoying some of her wonderful culinary delights.

She had so many interests, took great pleasure in driving the latest model of car, took great enjoyment of going to horse race meetings and having "a wee flutter on the horses" she also loved the GAA

Unfortunately Catherine became ill around two years ago however, she kept up her cheerful disposition and resilience. There was acceptance of her condition but had great battling qualities and continued living life as normal as possible while remaining upbeat.

Catherine's life had a deep profound impact on so many and her unique and selfless ability to care for those around her even when her own health had deteriorated.

She was adamant in raising funds for the I.M.N.D.A. and she was successful in completing this, in raising awareness of Motor Neuron Disease and her concern to reach out to others.

A truly unique lady, a great role model in business and an inspirational lady in how she navigated her life in such a positivet way throughout her life but her exceptional courage and resilient nature in the last two years were truly exceptional.

Catherine is predeceased by her father Peter Conroy, Glack, Ardee. Catherine is survived by her husband Eugene, daughter Terri, son Oisín, Mother Kathleen, brother Peter, sister Nuala, her son-in-law Gerard, step grand-daughter caitlín. mother-in-law Maisie Englishby, brothers-in- law, sister-in-law, Aunt & Uncle, nephews and nieces extended family, neighbours and her large circle of good friends.

Ar dheis Dhéis dé go raibh a hanam.