Tributes follow death of devoted Laois children's choir director
"Hundreds and thousands of children" learned to sing in a choir, thanks to one Laois lady whose death took place in the past week.
Catherine Quigley (née Whelan) from Portlaoise directed Portlaoise Children's Choir for over 40 years, and also fostered many children during her lifetime.
From Rockdale, she died peacefully, at home on Thursday, November 24, surrounded by her loving family, after a short illness.
Laois County Council local representatives offered sympathies to her family, at their November monthly meeting.
Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald said that she gave generously of her time and her talent to Portlaoise.
"I'd like to express my sympathy to the Quigley family on the death of Catherine Quigley. She was director of Portlaoise children's choir for over 40 years. She gave her time and talent so generously to Portlaoise. She was part of every Christmas for hundreds and thousands of children.
"I'd like to express my sympathies to her husband Kevin. She gave a long long service to the community," she said.
Cllr Caroline Dwane Stanley also offered her sympathies.
"As I knew her, Catherine Whelan. It was a joy to be in the choir, and she was a great organ player too," she said.
Cllr Noel Tuohy joined in expressing sorrow at the death.
"Catherine Quigley did more good work than we will ever know. It is a huge loss to the community," he said.
Cllr Willie Aird described her as "a lady always willing to help out", playing music for both older people and for children.
"It was a testament to see so many at her funeral," he said.
Catherine Quigley's Requiem Mass was held last Saturday afternoon, November 26 at SS Peter and Paul's Church, with interment following in SS Peter and Paul's cemetery.
She is mourned by her husband Kevin, children Selene, Siobhán, Ronán, also Noreen, her grandchildren Sophie, JJ, Oscar and Joshua, brothers Liam, David and Michael, sisters Bernadette, Franzita and Patricia, wider family, her many foster children and godchildren. The family requested donations to the Cuisle Centre in her memory, in lieu of flowers.