Mary Culleton ‘dedicated her life to allowing children to blossom’

A picture of her beloved grandchildren, a memory book from her retirement as Principal of Scoil Aodh Rua Agus Nuala, a Monsoon loyalty card, and Rosary beads. 

These symbols brought forward to the altar at her funeral Mass were a fitting representation of the life of Mary Culleton, née Enright, of Tonragee, Rossnowlagh Road, Ballyshannon. 

Mary passed away in Galway University Hospital on Friday, March 15 following a short illness. She had retired only last year after 49 years as a dedicated and much-loved teacher. 

Celebrant Very Rev Patrick Dunne was joined by Fr James Gillespie, Fr Willie Peoples and Fr Dermot Burke. He extended the condolences of Bishop of Ossory, Niall Coll who had served in the parish of Tawnawilly during Mary’s time as Principal. 

Gathered in St Patrick’s Church, Ballyshannon for Requiem Mass on the bank holiday Monday were Mary’s extended family and friends - including many who had travelled from her hometown of Boyle; her many friends and neighbours; and staff and pupils from Scoil Aodh Rua Agus Nuala. Many more watched online.

Among the wreaths on the altar was one which had been used to honour Mary in the St Patrick’s Day parade in Donegal Town the previous day. The school was crowned best overall float in the parade with an entry that celebrated and embraced the Donegal Town 550 theme. 

The wreath and a notice acknowledging Mary showed the impact her life and her passing had on the entire school community. A minute’s silence was held for Mary when the school stopped in front of the judges and dignitaries.

Fr Dunne said: “I know that meant so much to the family. They knew their Mum would be absolutely overjoyed and delighted to know that happened. That was a great consolation. 

“I thank the school and all the staff and students for your thoughtfulness and kindness on behalf of the family.”

Mourners heard that in her working life, Mary was a teacher by vocation and was totally dedicated to the growth and well-being of every pupil. She also believed in ensuring that staff were looked after so that the school was a happy place for everyone. 

“Mary gathered little children around her whole life,” said Fr Dunne.

“Her life was dedicated to creating an environment that was a place of love, a place of supporting and allowing children to blossom.

“Each of them was a beautiful gift that she was there for.”

Mourners heard that on the occasion of her retirement last year, she didn’t want any focus on herself. 

“Her joy was to see the kids on that occasion doing bits and pieces where she could celebrate their gifts and their talents coming alive in front of her,” said Fr Dunne. 

“That was what she was about.”

Aside from teaching, Mary loved her style, and she particularly enjoyed a day out shopping with her girls. She also loved a cup of tea and a chat, and had recently taken up knitting. She had been working on a pair of cardigans for her two beloved grandchildren Fiadh and Éabha when she became ill.

Mourners heard that Mary was a woman of great faith, a woman who loved to go walking around Rossnowlagh, and was someone who was always elegant and brightly dressed. 

But above all, her family was very important to her, and she particularly adored her grandchildren.

Fr Dunne expressed support and condolences to Mary’s husband Sean, their children Niamh, Gráinne and Óisín, grandchildren Fiadh and Éabha, and all the extended Enright and Culleton families. 

Following Mass, Mary was laid to rest in the Abbey Cemetery, Ballyshannon. 

Anyone who would like to make a donation in her memory can do so to Cancer Care West.