Warm tributes to popular Laois chemist who ran Portlaoise pharmacy
Ita Kennedy ran business with husband John for many years on Main Street
Many warm tributes have been paid on the passing of the late Ita Kennedy who ran busy and popular pharmacy in the heart of Portlaoise for many years with her late husband John.
Late of Dun Masc in Portlaoise and formerly of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, Ita was best known in Portlaoise for running Kennedy’s Chemist, Main St for many years.
She passed away peacefully on December 23 surrounded by her loving family at her home in the estate off the town's Dublin Road.
Wife of the late John; dearly loved mother to Jean, Paul, Anne, Gráinne, Fionnuala, and Enda; mother-in-law to Frank, Helen, Philip and Alain; cherished grandmother to Jean, Seán, Ellen, Liam, Áine, John, Aidan and Noah. Also sadly missed by sister-in-law Gretta, nephews, nieces, cousins, relatives, friends and former customers.
She is also missed by her many friends at The Heath Golf Club where she was an active player and member with her husband John for many years.
Many tributes were paid to the deceased on RIP.ie.
"She and her husband John were great for the town of Portlaoise over many years. They were also fantastic members of The Heath Golf Club, both serving in many important positions. Ita herself was a great golfer and possessed a most beautiful swing and could hit the golf ball in a most graceful fashion. The loss to The Heath Golf Club is immense but how so much greater is it to the wider Kennedy family. May she rest in peace," wrote Joe and Mary McNamara.
"What an elegant lady, always with a twinkling smile. May she rest gently now with her beloved John," wrote Pat & Anne O’Keeffe, Derrygarron, Portlaoise.
Portlaoise-born poet Pat Boran also paid tribute.
"I remember Ita Kennedy as a lovely, warm, welcoming woman, who gave the most minor of childhood ailments her full and undivided attention and had us half-cured before we ever got back to our own hall door across Main Street. Condolences to all the wider Kennedy family and all those who, like myself, remember her with the same affection she always showed to the world," he wrote.
"Sincere sympathy to the Kennedy family at this sad time. Your mum and dad bring back fond memories from my childhood for the very personal service and friendship when we went into Kennedy's chemist with my parents. My thoughts are with you at this time, may your mum, Ita rest in peace," wrote Stephanie Lewis.
"Ita loved her family and loved life. Her quick mind and agile step were carried with elegance. May she rest in eternal peace," said Liam and Frances Harney.
Ita's remains repose at Keegan's funeral home Portlaoise on Friday, December 27 from 5 pm until 7 pm. Removal on Saturday to arrive at SS Peter and Paul’s Church for 12 noon Funeral Mass and followed by burial in SS Peter and Paul’s Cemetery Portlaoise.
The family are sgrateful for the wonderful palliative care received in Ita's home in recent days. They ask for donations to the Irish Cancer Society in gratitude for such service in lieu of flowers.
Requiem Mass can be viewed via the Portlaoise Parish website HERE.