Longford mourns death of terrific neighbour and kind-hearted lady
Late Esther Donnellan (née Dee), Moher, Ballyleague, Roscommon / Tipperary
On Wednesday, January 11, Lanesboro / Ballyleague lost another one of the finest ladies in the community when people learned of the death, in the loving care of the Palliative Care team in the Midlands Regional Hospital, Mullingar, of Esther Donnellan (née Dee), Moher, Ballyleague, Roscommon.
Esther, a native of Littleton, Co. Tipperary, moved to The Green when her father got work with Bord na Móna. She was predeceased by her parents John and Mary, her sister Peggy and her brother Eamon.
While her family moved to Coill Dubh in Kildare, Esther remained and married local man Joe Donnellan and continued to live and rear her family in the community right up to her death.
She was a genial and quiet spoken lady with a tremendous affectionate smile that warmed the hearts of everyone that knew her. Her primary interest was with her family and she worked hard as a home maker ensuring that all was the very best for them.
Esther was a terrific neighbour and friend and her passing will leave a great emptiness in the hearts and minds of everyone that knew her.
She was a kind-hearted lady who loved the simple things of life and enjoyed nothing more than the old tradition of rambling to friend’s homes as well as welcoming them to her for chats and a game of cards.
She loved music and to dance and travelled all around to music sessions and dance the night away. She had a warm and welcoming personality and not only did her smile display and open heart but also a sense of divilment.
She took up darts late in life and she proved to be natural, winning titles all over the country and representing Roscommon at intercounty level.
Esther’s remains reposed in Farrell’s Funeral Home on Friday and Saturday before her remains were removed to the Church of the Holy Rosary, Ballyleague for her Funeral Mass on Sunday. Burial took place afterwards to Cloontuskert Cemetery.
To her husband Joe, and family Patsy, Joe, John, Noel, Stephen, Thomas, Peter, Mary Geraldine, Maurice, David and Goretti, relatives and many many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.