RIP: Longford mourns death of wonderful lady who possessed a great love of rural life
Late Claire Ward (née Bawle), Cullentra, Newtowncashel, Longford
From Newtowncashel via London and finally making her forever home in Cullentra, Claire Ward along with her late husband Paddy, 21 years ago, settled into our community and created a lasting memory.
Claire’s passing on Saturday, May 30 at Innis Ree Nursing Home, Ballyleague just a week before her 90th birthday was received with a great sadness by everyone.
Claire, formerly Claire Bawle, Portanure, Newtowncashel, Co Longford came from a farming family and right up to the very end she never lost the love of the land and farming so much so that she was a weekly reader of the Farmers Journal.
Until the passing of her husband Paddy both of them farmed their family farm with a great diligence and she continued to farm assiduously until her reduced mobility took its toll and she had to stop.
She was the typical Irish mother with a great love of rural life, loved cooking, was a keen gardener and also loved sewing. Claire first and foremost was real family woman and strove for the very best for her sons and grandchildren.
She was a wonderful lady to meet as her big warm welcoming smile drew you towards her; she was a great conversationalist on all aspects of life. Big in stature Claire was also big in heart and she will be greatly missed by all that knew her and her passing will leave a great emptiness in all our hearts and minds but the pleasant memories she created will forever be remembered.
Claire was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth Bawle, her husband Paddy, sisters Ann, Bridie and Margaret and by her brothers John, Michael and Anthony.
Claire reposed at her residence in Cullentra on Sunday, May 31. Her remains were removed to St. Mary’s church, Lanesboro on Monday and following her Funeral Mass she was laid to rest in Cashel cemetery.
To her sons Gerry and Pat, her sister Tess Dowd, daughters-in-law Dee and Mary, grandchildren Daniel, Aidan, Laura, Rachel, Andrew and Abby, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives, neighbours and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy.