Mary Fitzpatrick

Mary Fitzpatrick, or Mary Cawley as she would have been known to most people was born in the half parish in Cultrain to Margaret and Anthony Cawley. She was from a family of nine, eight brothers and Mary.

Mary was a great help to both her parents, in particular to her mother with whom she always had a special relationship, being the only girl. Mary learned to bake at the age of seven and baked soda bread up until a few years ago. When her parents were gone to town, Mary would have all the work done on their return and would always run to check her fathers pockets for sweets.

Mary was particularly close to her brothers Sonny and Laurence growing up and they remained so throughout her life. Mary also had a close bond with her first cousins Agnes, Teresa and Eileen Corcoran, visiting and going to dances with them, often returning in the early hours where they would part at the bridge and Mary would fasten her journey to get home as quickly as she could.

In the next chapter of her life she married Pat Fitzpatrick and moved to Derrygorman to join the Fitzpatrick family. Mary and Pat had one daughter Martina.

Mary was a great support to her husband Pat and helped out on the farm whilst tending to the house and looking after her mother-in-law Sarah. She also took care of her brother Pakie in the final months of his life.

Mary was always a very happy and contented person, unassuming, sincere and kind to everyone. Anyone who visited would always get the cup of tea and her own soda bread.

Mary’s loves in her life were her husband Pat, daughter Martina, the farm and Lassie the dog, she also loved to sing and to waltz, sometimes round the kitchen if she had a willing partner.

Mary’s faith was also very important to her, Mass, the rosary and later the First Friday calls. She was lovingly cared for at home by her daughter Martina, subsequently she spent her final months in St. Brendan’s Unit Mulranny. mary was the last surviving member of her family.

Life can never be the same again, but it must go on as that would be Mary’s wish. Mary has departed this life with great dignity and peace, reflecting the kind of person she was.

May her gentle soul rest in peace.