Tributes paid to 'a friendly and positive' Tullamore woman who loved children

THERE was deep sadness and shock in Tullamore at the untimely passing of Christine Mannion (nee O'Halloran), Park Avenue, who died on Friday July 14.

Christine was described by all those who knew her as a friendly and positive woman who loved children and always had a pleasant word for everyone.

A large cortège made up of family, neighbours and friends, followed her hearse from her home to her funeral mass last Monday morning July 17, where Fr Damian Budau thanked Christine for ''everything she has done'' in this life.

Fr Budau said Christine was born in Tullamore and grew up in a family of hard working people. She was one of three children. She met Colm Mannion in 1971. The two would have celebrated 44 years of marriage in August. Together they had three children, Catherine, Aoife and Robert. Christine was pre-deceased by her infant daughter Catherine.

Fr Budau said that Christine and Colm raised their children in Christian love and taught them to pray morning and evening and to participate in the holy mass.

Christine had a special bond with her children, warmly sending them enthusiasm and encouragement whenever they felt sad, said Fr Budau.

He described Christine as a loving grandmother and spoke of how she enjoyed taking the children on walks and spending money on them in different shops.

''Her heart was full of joy when her grandchildren appreciated the food she prepared for them at the obligatory dinner on Saturdays,'' he said.

Christine was a woman who liked to socialise with people, she always had a positive word for everyone. She liked shopping, reading and visiting places around the country.

What was very important in her life was her faith which occupied a central place in her life. It offered her strength in the face of adversity and was a guiding compass for her family. Offering her strength in the face of adversity. She had great devotion to Padre Pio and Our Lady and a pilgrimage to Fatima was a highlight for her.

Christine will be sadly missed from the close knit community of Park Avenue. Always with a smile and a friendly word she will leave a gap which will be hard to fill.

Christine was pre-deceased by her infant daughter Catherine and her parents Mick and Roseanne. She will be sadly missed by her loving husband Colm, daughter Aoife and son Robert, daughter in law Claire, grandchildren Freya, Darragh and Kayden, her brothers John and Michael, brothers in law, sisters in law, Imelda, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, neighbours and many friends.

Following her large funeral mass Christine was buried in Clonminch cemetery.