Kathleen Forde
Reisk, Knock
KATHLEEN Forde from Reisk, Knock died recently at her residence. She was 87 and was predeceased by her husband John in 1986, by her son Seamus who died in 1990 and also by her brother Pat who died in Manchester two years ago.
A great favourite in the Reisk area, Kathleen (nee Hunt) was a person who had good time for everyone and she was generous by nature and spirit. Herself and John were real country people who were happy and content on the land and in the quiet of the rural countryside.
She had a great fondness for a game of cards and the regular Sunday night game in Grogan’s house was something she looked forward to in a special way in former times. She loved to visit her neighbours and she had a great rapport with all of them. On her many long walks, she looked forward to chatting with friends along the way.
Kathleen was an avid reader and took a special interest in crosswords, a hobby that provided her with many challenges and a lot of enjoyment.Snooker was a game she took an interest in on television while she also had her own special favourite shows on local radio and television.
Back in 1981, Kathleen made the long journey to Australia to visit her sister Evelyn and spent two weeks there. She also spent a few days in America on the way home, meeting some relations and former neighbours. For her it was the trip of a lifetime and she often spoke fondly of it in the years that were to follow.
Kathleen had been in declining health for some time. She received the best of care and kind attention from her daughter Bernie who was always there for her throughout that time.
Large crowds were in attendance at the funeral ceremonies, including some nieces who travelled over from England. Removal took place from Donnellan’s Funeral Home in Ballyhaunis to Bekan Church with burial in the local cemetery following Requiem Mass celebrated by Fr PaddyMullins, PP. The Bekan Parish Choir rendered some lovely hymns while her neighbour Michael Sloyan sang Our Lady of Knock, one of her favourite songs of praise.
Kathleen is survived by her sons Andy (Knock) and Colm (Kilcock, Co Kildare), daughters Elaine (Rugby, England), Bernie (Reisk) and Dolores(Dunmore), brother Joe Hunt (Reisk), sister Evelyn (Melbourne), nephews, nieces, relatives, neighbours and friends.