Sadness in Laois town at death of oldest citizen aged 101
A Laois family and community are in mourning after the death of the oldest citizen in the town of Mountmellick.
Mrs Maureen Delaney, who would have reached 102 years old on January 31 2024, passed away peacefully at home in the company of her devoted family on Monday, November 20.
The dearly beloved wife of the late Frank, and formerly of The Cottage 2 Railway View, Mountmellick, she is mourned by her son John, daughters Catherine and Ursula, son-in-law John, and her nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.
Mountmellick Tidy Towns led tributes to her.
Last year she was interviewed by the Leinster Express / laois Live on the happy occasion of her 100th birthday.
Living at home in Kirwan Park with her daughter Catherine as carer, she was bright and healthy with a strong interest in current affairs.
Her favourite programmes were Claire Byrne Live and The Chase and she read books on local, Irish and world history.
"I would say that my secret is that when you're young, get to places by cycling, and dance. That keeps you healthy. I cycled all over the place. I danced in all the halls," she said.
She was born in Garoon to Mountmellick principal postman Michael and Alice McDonald and had four brothers and two sisters.
Growing up, Maureen was involved in the Red Cross while World War II was happening, and she attended Irish classes and cookery classes at nighttime.
At 15 she started work in Batt's Leather Goods in Mountmellick.
"I was a forewoman first, then a supervisor. I knew everything about leather. Wallets, briefcases, purses were all made there. I started there at the age of 15 and I was there until I got married at 37," she said.
After marrying Frank, an employee of Pim's, they moved to West Yorkshire, England in 1959, where they went on to have their three children.
Frank sadly died while the family were back home on holiday in 1981, and Maureen brought her children home to live a year later.
In her lifetime she made it safely through not just the Covid pandemic, but Tuberculosis and Polio.
She had been delighted to receive the Centenary Bounty from the President of Ireland Michael D Higgins.
Mrs Delaney was predeceased by her parents Michael and Alice McDonald, sisters Christina Coss, Bridie McDonald, brothers Mikey, Peter, Johnny and Paddy.
She will repose in her home on Wednesday evening from 7pm. Recital of The Rosary at 9pm. Removal from her home on Thursday morning at 10.30am to St.Joseph's Church, Mountmellick for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial after in St.Joseph's Cemetery. Family time on Thursday morning.
Maureen's funeral mass can be lived streamed on the following link: https://www.mountmellickparish.ie/web-cam/