RIP: Tributes pour in for beloved Waterford woman remembered as a 'wonderful nurse'

Heartfelt tributes are being paid in Waterford this week following the death of Margaret Long (née Ryan), who is remembered as "a wonderful nurse" and "a beautiful genuine lady."

Margaret, late of Gracedieu Villas in Waterford city and originally from Glanworth, Cork, passed away on Saturday, September 6.

She is "sadly missed by her loving husband Walter, daughter Catherine, son Walter, son-in-law Mike, daughter-in-law Ruth (Kinsella), grandchildren Molly, Sarah, Daniel and Ellen, sister Helen, brother-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends," according to her death notice on RIP.ie.

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Condolences have poured in online from those who knew Margaret personally and professionally.

One neighbour wrote: "Deepest sympathies to Walter, Catherine, Walter and her adored grandchildren on the passing of Margaret. She was always a great neighbour and will be sadly missed by us. R.I.P Margaret.”

Colleagues from her days working in the ICU fondly recalled her warmth and humour.

Ruth shared: "I am so shocked and saddened to read this news of Margaret RIP. I only met Margaret a couple of days ago at the Hypermarket. We had such a lovely chat about our times working together in ICU when I was a student. I have the loveliest memories working with Margaret and even this week we laughed together remembering one night working together… we both laughed recalling it all. Margaret was such a lovely lady, great fun and a wonderful ICU nurse. I learned a lot from her. My deepest condolences to all Margaret's family. My thoughts are with you at this very sad time. May Margaret rest in Peace."

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Others remembered her as both a dedicated professional and a loyal friend.

"She was such a lovely person. Also a fantastic nurse. Sympathy goes to Walter Snr, Walter Jnr, Catherine and extended family on her passing. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time. May Margaret Rest In Peace," one message read.

Another mourner recalled: "She was a wonderful nurse and her great humour and loyalty were outstanding. It was always so reassuring to know Margaret was on duty in I.C.U. Au revoir dear friend thank you."

One former student nurse added: "I met Margaret when I was a student in Ardkeen many years ago. She really looked after students so well. She was a beautiful genuine lady. Rest in Peace Margaret."

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Margaret will repose at Thompson's Funeral Home, Barrack Street, on Monday, September 8, from 7pm to 8.30pm with vigil prayers and a rosary at 8pm.

Her Requiem Mass will take place on Tuesday, September 9, at 11am in the Holy Family Church, Luke Wadding Street, followed by burial in St. Mary's Cemetery, Ballygunner. Her funeral cortege will pass by her home in Gracedieu on its way to the cemetery.