Beatrice O’Malley

The death has taken place of Beatrice O’Malley, Kille, Clare Island, Co Mayo, formerly Beatrice McLaughlin, Cloncan, Ballinlough, County Roscommon, on Monday, January 11, 2010. Aged 85 years, she passed away peacefully at her home in the loving care of her family. She was predeceased by her husband, Michael, and brothers, Jim, Tom and John.

Beatrice grew up in Roscommon and spent many years there caring for her aunt and uncle before emigrating to Manchester, where she worked in the Royal Infirmary Hospital. She met and married Michael there and, after the birth of their son, Eddie, they moved to Clare Island. They intended to stay two years but spent the rest of their lives on the island. In the early years Beatrice found life difficult there, with no running water or electricity, but being the strong person that she was, she made the most of her circumstances. Beatrice adapted well to island life where she made many life-long friends. She cared for her mother-in-law, her uncle-in-law and brother-in-law, as well as raising six children.

Beatrice devoted her life to her family and those in her care. Her door was always open to neighbours and strangers alike. Both Beatrice and Michael loved company. Michael entertained with his humour and story telling while Beatrice was busy preparing food in the kitchen. When everyone was fed she would join in the banter. Beatrice was good company and not afraid to speak her mind, especially on politics, and she was not easily swayed. Even though she had strong party affiliations she did not hesitate to cross-vote for a candidate she believed deserved a chance.

Beatrice had a very strong faith, attended Mass daily and, in her later years, dedicated her life to God and her grandchildren. As Beatrice spent her life caring for others it is not surprising that this care was reciprocated in recent years. She received great kindness and care from the doctors and nurses who attended her, especially District Nurse Margaret O’Grady, who went above and beyond her call of duty. Beatrice was also shown great love and affection by her carers, Nora and Shauna.

Following a traditional wake, removal took place from her home to the Sacred Heart Church on Clare Island. Fr Denis Carney, Fr Peter Gannon, Fr Michael Gormally and Fr Tom Coonan officiated at the ceremony. Her funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr Denis Carney, along with concelebrants Fr Farragher, Fr Gannon and Fr Coonan. Beatrice’s grandchildren and friends read the readings, the Prayers of the Faithful, the reflection after Communion, and sang and played music. The Clare Island choir sang the hymns.

In his sermon, Fr Carney spoke of Beatrice’s great faith and said that Beatrice had a second home on the island and that was the church. He also spoke of her devotion to her family and grandchildren and how Beatrice always had such a warm welcome for the resident priests on the island. As a next-door neighbour, she always set an extra place at the table in case the priest might be hungry or lonely.

In conclusion, Fr Carney mentioned (in case the congregation thought she was a saint) that she also had a stubborn side to her. Beatrice was very house-proud and had the house painted annually, whether it was needed or not.

Beatrice will be sadly missed by her sons, Joe and Eddie; her daughters, Kathleen, Mary, Trish and Ann; grandchildren; in-laws; sister, Kathleen; brothers, Joe and Bernard; nieces and nephews; neighbours and friends. May she rest in peace.