RIP: Tributes pour in for Clare businesswoman who sadly passed away at 108-years-old

Many tributes have come pouring in following the death of Kilmore native Birdie (Bridget) Skehan at 108-years-old. 

A businesswoman at heart, Birdie and her family members developed the Helene Modes brand, which had two stores located on Parnell Street and the Crescent Shopping Centre in Limerick. The business closed in 2014. 

Late of the North Circular Road, also in Limerick, the much-loved woman died while in the tender care of the Ennis Road Care Facility on Sunday, November 2.

She is pre-deceased by her parents Helena and Michael, sister Nonie-May, brother Jeremiah, brother-in-law Tom, nephew Terence and grandnephew Tom.

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Birdie will be greatly missed by her loving nieces Helma Lynam and Rhona Levingstone, niece-in-law Sheila Cusack, nephew-in-law Ernest, grandnieces and grandnephews, great-grandnieces and great-grandnephews, god-daughter Cora Reidy, relatives, kind neighbours and many friends.

Many friends, acquaintances and former customers of Helene Modes took to RIP.ie to express their condolences. 

One person said, "Deepest sympathy to Helma, Rhona, Sheila and all who mourn Birdie. She was a marvelous business woman. May she rest in peace."

While a second commented, "When I came to Limerick full time in 1978, Helene Modes was a formidable women’s fashion powerhouse -known far beyond its Limerick environs, as was Birdie, its legendary, respected and admired proprietor. A dynamic business woman long before her time. Sincere sympathy to her now very extended family."

A third stated, "My deepest sympathy to Helma,Rona, Sheila and extended Cusack/Skehan families on the passing of Birdie. She worked tirelessly to make both Helene Modes in Roches Street and Byrdies Shop in Parnell Street together with her sister Mrs Cusack, her brother-in-law Tom and her late nephew Terence successful businesses for so many years. She was a very strong lady and to reach such a great age showed the stamina she had. It is the end of an era now with Birdie's passing. May her gentle soul rest in peace. She is now reunited with her loved ones, sister Mrs Cusack, Tom Cusack, nephew Terence and his son Tom."

Birdie reposed at Griffin's Funeral Home in John's Gate on Wednesday, November 5 and was followed by removal to Our Lady of the Rosary Church, Ennis Road. Her Requiem Mass will be on Thursday, November 6 at 11am. Burial will take place afterwards in Mount St Lawrence Cemetery.

May she rest in peace.