Evelyn Hoban

Evelyn Hoban (nee Kearney) died peacefully on December 21, in the loving care of the nurses and staff at Mayo General Hospital.

Evelyn was reared on a farm in Carrowmore-Lacken and had very happy memories of her childhood. She developed a deep love of Gaeilge during her Primary school days and could still recite many poems off by heart. She learned the value of hard work during these formative years and this stood her in good stead when she began her training as a Psychiatric Nurse in St. Mary’s Hospital, Castlebar. She had a natural ability to empathise with the patients in her care and always showed great compassion to them. Evelyn was a valued member of staff and was missed when she had to resign from her job due to the Civil Service ban following her marriage to Paddy Hoban on September 15, 1958.

Evelyn and Paddy were kindred spirits who had a deep love for each other. They were blessed with four children, Maureen, Teresa, Gerard and Patrick. Evelyn and Paddy worked hard during tough times to raise their children and they took great pride in their achievements. Evelyn also revealed her creative nature during those years which she expressed through knitting, embroidery and baking.

Eventually, Evelyn was able to resume her work as a Psychiatric Nurse on a temporary basis which she did with enormous enthusiasm. Evelyn had a deep love for Ireland. She travelled the length and breadth of the country on holidays and weekend trips and had no desire to see the wider world when she had such beauty on her doorstep. Evelyn worked for many years in a voluntary capacity with the Mayo Mental Health Association and with the Meals on Wheels service.

Evelyn was bereft following the death of her beloved Paddy in 1996. Her life entered a new phase as they had just become grandparents at that time. Evelyn eventually became Granny to nine grandchildren and she loved each one deeply. She was extremely kind to them and they adored her.

Evelyn’s warm nature ensured that she was blessed with many friends. These included her colleagues from her nursing days who were faithful visitors to the very end. Her neighbours on Altamount Street had a special place in her heart. She enjoyed deep and enduring friendships with many of them for over fifty years.

Evelyn had many fine qualities. She had a rich sense of humour. She was a life long pioneer who loved socialising with her friends. She was extremely loyal and was a strong believer in the value of the local community. She supported local businesses and enjoyed a cup of coffee with her many friends. She was known for her punctuality and took great pride in her home which was always spotless. Evelyn was an extremely practical person and she took great satisfaction in a lifelong practice of paying her bills on time and in full.

Evelyn’s deep faith sustained her and she was a daily Mass goer. Evelyn enjoyed excellent health during her long and happy life and fought her final battle with exemplary courage and dignity.

Evelyn’s remains were brought home on Sunday, December 22, and then lay in repose in Navin’s funeral home on the Monday. The very large numbers who attended to extend their sympathy was a true reflection of the high esteem in which Evelyn was held. Fr. Charlie McDonnell officiated at the reception ceremony in St. Mary’s Church and was assisted by Fr. MicheΡl MacGréil at the Requiem Funeral Mass on Christmas Eve.

St. Mary’s Church Choir provided beautiful sacred music. The First and Second Reading were read by her sons Patrick and Gerard. The Prayers of the Faithful were read by her grandchildren, Oisín, Cian, Laoise, daughter Teresa and daughter-in-law Bernadine. Oisín and Laoise brought the gifts to the altar and her grand daughter Sadhbh Dunne delivered a reflection. Evelyn was laid to rest with her loving husband Paddy after a life time of love and service in Aughavale Cemetery. She was predeceased by her brother Patrick Kearney (Carrowmore-Lacken).

She is survived by her children, Maureen (London), Teresa Dunne (Moyhastin, Westport), Gerard (New York) and Patrick (Galway), nine grandchildren, SeΡn, Sadhbh, Niamh, Cian, Laoise, Conor, Oisín, Eoghan and Eve, her sisters Anne Sammon, Teresa Loughney and Attracta Kyralou (Carrowmore Lacken), Peggy Hoban (Westport), daughters-in-law and son-in-law, nieces, nephews and many friends.

May her gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.