RIP: 'KCC has lost the kindest soul'- Kildare woman to be laid to rest tomorrow

Tributes have poured in for a much loved and popular Kildare woman in her 50s who tragically died in a house fire.

Orla Wilson was from Ballyvarney, Nurney in Kildare and died on 13th October 2025, following a tragic accident at her home.

Orla  an employee of Kildare County Council (KCC) and her death has devastated all the staff who knew and loved her.

She will be sadly missed by her loving son Andrew and his partner Sara, sisters Kate and Mary, brother-in-law Michael and Garth, aunt Annette, uncle Sean, nephews and nieces Pippa, Michael, Robert, Andrew, Ellen, Jennifer and Hugh, relatives, neighbours, friends and work colleagues.

Orla's remains will be reposing at McWey's Funeral Home, Abbyview, Kildare Town from 5pm on Thursday (16th October) concluding with prayers at 7pm.

Removal by Glennons Funeral Directors will take place from her sister Kate's residence on Friday morning to arrive at Our Lady of Victories Church, Kildangan, for requiem Mass at 11am.

Burial will take place afterwards in St. Brigid's Cemetery, Nurney. 

Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie, from those who knew and loved Orla, with one mourner writing:

"Dear Andrew, we are shocked and saddened at the sudden and untimely death of your dear mam, Orla. She was a sincere, kind and caring lady, she delighted in all your achievements. Sincere sympathy to Mary, Kate, Sara and extended Wilson family. We are so sorry for your loss. Rest in heavenly peace Orla".

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Another message said, "Orla, you will be so sadly missed. You weren’t only a co-worker, you were a friend to me. You were a beautiful woman inside and out. Always had the kinder buenos and Kit Kats at the ready for my kids. The office will be a little heavier from now on (and quieter) The laughs and chats will always stay close to my heart. You are so loved and will be missed so much. may you rest in peace, my heart goes out to Andrew and all others affected, my condolences. Please look over them. And in your own words “See you later, honeybee”.

"I was so deeply saddened to hear of Orla's passing. She was such a genuinely kind and friendly person, always ready to help and make others feel welcome. Her positivity made a lasting impression on everyone in KCC, and she will be truly missed. My thoughts are with her son Andrew, her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her. May Orla rest in peace," another person said.

Another person said: "Sincere condolences to Andrew and Orla's extended family. My lasting memory of Orla is chatting after work last Friday at my car, hugging her farewell and promising to meet for lunch soon. That hug means everything now. Orla would greet you with 'ah there you are Chickie, are ya alright Chickie?'. She had the unique ability to make you laugh, and I'm privileged and honoured to have been a small part of her life, to have shared in our chats about life, and to have chewed the cud outside the Aras on our breaks. Orla, thank you for sharing snippets of your life with me, for the precious chats, giggles & advice we shared. KCC has lost the kindest soul, and all of your work family are heartbroken. May you find the softest pillow in heaven, night night Chickie".