Shared burial ceremony for elderly Laois couple who died within weeks of each other
Stradbally couple's ashes are to be buried together
An elderly Laois couple's ashes will be buried together in a shared ceremony, after their deaths within weeks of each other.
John Forristal, a former employee of the Leinster Express, was by his wife Eileen's side when she passed away peacefully on February 27, 2024, but sadly died himself five weeks later.
Eileen Forristal (née Roche) had passed on in the loving care of staff at Droimnín Nursing Home in Stradbally, with her loving husband and her sister-in-law Breda at her bedside. She is sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sister Maura, sister-in-law, her extended family, friends and neighbours.
Her funeral Mass took take place on March 1, in the Church of the Sacred Heart, Stradbally, followed by private cremation. Donations were requested if desired to the Alzheimer Society of Ireland.
Her husband died peacefully at Waterford General Hospital, on Friday, April 5. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his sister Breda, brother Pat, sister-in-law Maura, nephews, nieces, extended family, friends and neighbours.
His funeral Mass took place on April 10, also in Sacred Heart Church, Stradbally, followed by private cremation.
Burial of ashes for John and Eileen will take place on Saturday, April 20, in Oakvale Cemetery, Stradbally, at 10.30am.
Their community have expressed deep sadness at the couple's passing.
"To the Forristal family. My deepest sympathy to you all on the sad news of the passing of John. I was postman to John & Eileen for 13 years in Stradbally. They were a beautiful couple and I always enjoyed our chats. May John & Eileen be reunited in heaven once again. RIP John xxx," said postman Jack Rafter.
"Sincere condolences to John and Eileen's families on the sad passing of our dear neighbours and very good friends. May they rest in peace," said Tom and Jane Gannon.
"John i can’t believe you are gone. You are sadly missed. One reassurance is that you are back together with your beloved Eileen. Miss the two of you John and Eileen. Until we meet again," friend Nathan Harrison said.
"Sincere condolences to John's family members, and extended family and friends , such sad news, so soon after his beautiful Eileen passing. A beautiful lady she was, and he was a gentleman true. We had great times in the leinster Express, with them both. May they Rip," was the lovely tribute from Noreen and Margaret O'Connor.