Tributes paid to much loved Newbridge school colleague, Cathryn Shaw

Tributes have been paid to the late Cathryn Shaw from Newbridge, who has been described as "the heartbeat" of the Patrician Secondary School in Newbridge. 

In a post on social media, the school conveyed it's heartbreak over Cathryn's passing. 

"The Patrician Secondary School community is devastated to learn of our friend and colleague Cathryn's passing. Our hearts are broken. She was the heartbeat of our school and always had a kind word for everyone. Her warmth and zest for life radiated through our school community," it said.

Senator Fiona O'Loughlin described how Cathryn will be hugely missed by everyone who knew her.

"Newbridge was dealt another devastating blow yesterday with the very sad and untimely passing of Cathryn Shaw. To say that she was universally liked and loved would be an understatement," she said.

"Cathryn had the biggest smile and biggest heart. She was full of joie de vivre and the heart and soul of every gathering, passionate about Newbridge and interested in all going ons. Cathryn had a very full life with her much-loved family, golf, painting, walks and formerly in Newbridge Musical society. She loved her work in the PBS secondary school, and was very much the heartbeat of the school.

"Cathryn adored her five grandchildren and loved spending time with them. Very deepest sympathy to Sandy, Gary, Mark, Mary, Bernie, John, Bill and Tom. We are all the better for having known Cathryn, privileged to call her a friend. She will be hugely missed, the light of heaven to her soul."

Sarsfield's GAA Club also expressed its condolences to Cathryn's family.

"Sarsfields GAA are deeply saddened to learn of the untimely passing of Cathryn Shaw. To Cathryn’s beloved family her PBS family and extended family and friends, you are all in our thoughts at this very sad time," it said. 

Cathryn, who lived in Baroda Court, passed away peacefully yesterday, January  11 in the wonderful care of the nurses and staff of the Beacon Hospital.

Predeceased by her mam Delia and father Willie, she will be greatly missed by her loving husband Sandy, sons Gary and Mark, brothers and sisters Tom, Mary, Bernie, John and Bill, daughters-in-law Debbie and Alice, beloved grandchildren Max, A.J., Paige, Polly and Finn, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, extended family, relatives, friends, and work colleagues in the Patrician Secondary School.

Reposing at Anderson & Leahy’s Funeral Home, today Friday January 12 from 4pm with prayers at 7pm. Removal on Saturday morning at 10.30am to arrive at St. Conleth’s Parish Church, Newbridge for Mass at 11am. Mass can be viewed on https://newbridgeparish.ie/parish-church. Funeral afterwards to St. Conleth’s Cemetery, Newbridge