Many tributes paid to 'one in a million' Laois woman

The death has occurred of well known Laois woman Betty O'Brien from Donaghmore in south Laois.

Betty (nee Bracken) of Willowfern, Donaghmore passed away on January 18, in her 98th year, peacefully at Ballard Lodge nursing home in Portlaoise. 

She was surrounded by her loving family and wonderful staff at Ballard Lodge on her death.

Predeceased by her husband Billy and son John. Sadly missed by her adoring family,daughters Mary and Jacintha, son Liam, sons-in-law John and James, daughter-in-law Deirdre, her grandchildren Barry, David, Gavin, Nicola, Shell, Yvonne, Bill and Aoibhe, her 13 great-grandchildren, her wonderful neighbours and large circle of relatives and friends.

The deceased was involved in a multitude of organisations in Laois down the years helping many people also along the way. She also acted as the voice of her community through her role as local notes correspondent for local newspapers including the Leinster Express. More below picture.

Pictured: Billy and Betty O'Brien of Donaghmore, Rathdowney centre with their children at theirt 50th weding anniversary.

Many tributes were paid though RIP.ie by people extending sympathy to her family. 

"She was a wonderful community woman and great to have a good chat with. A long life well lived- rest in peace Betty & you will be reunited with Billy & John," wrote the Lee family.

"She was one of a kind and feel privileged to have known her. May she rest in peace and may her family find solace in the days and weeks ahead," said Brian Scott.

"Betty was such a powerhouse of energy in everything she did. She was always a pleasure to meet and would always greet you with a beaming smile," wrote Nicholas and Ann Bergin, Portlaoise.

"A lovely lady who will be sorely missed in the community," wrote Pat and Bridie Dowling Errill. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: Betty O'Brien and Patricia Holland at the Bulfin Cycle visit to Aghaboe Abbey as part of Heritage week. Photograph: Alf Harvey.

"What a great woman, she befriended so many and did so much good over all her years," was the tribute from Margaret Powell.  

"You were one in a million Aunty Betty," wrote Nuala Bracken.

Pictured: Funds raised by Betty O'Brien, Donaghmore,were presented to Hughie Milmoe, John Hosey and Peter Dunne of the Laois Association in London for the Irish Centre in London at its gala evening in the Montague Hotel. Also pictured Sean Cotter, AIB, Rathdowney. Pic: Alf Harvey

Betty's remains repose at her residence Eircode R32 AX51 all day Friday, January 19, pausing for prayers at 7pm. Removal on Saturday morning to the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, Rathdowney arriving for Requiem mass at 12. noon. Interment afterwards in Bealady Cemetery.

Betty's funeral mass can be viewed by pressing the following link www.parishwebsites.ie/rathdowney/