Mary Kate Duffy
Killawalla
Mary Kate Duffy, Killawalla. The death has taken place at Mayo General Hospital of Mary Kate Duffy, Killawalla (nee Nally, Cashelcarra), a cherished and well known member of the local community. Mary Kate was born in the picturesque village of Cashelcarra nestled on the shoreline of Lough Carra.
In 1945, she married Mike Duffy and they made their home in Killawalla where they reared their nine children in a spirit of great love and affection.
Along with her husband, she worked diligently to rear their nine children. During her leisure time she enjoyed playing a game of bingo along with her husband, Mike. In later years her interest in bingo was replaced by an interest in a game of cards. For Mary Kate the game of cards provided better opportunities to talk with her fellow card players to exchange news and stories and perhaps ponder on how a card player won a game trick or two. The social aspect of the game was very important for Mary Kate who looked forward to the occasions when she and her son, Ray travelled to Castlebar, Ballyglass, Kiltimagh, Claremorris or Clogher for the weekly games of cards.
Over the years she welcomed many of the changes in her adopted community especially the enhancement work carried out under the FÁS and RSS schemes in her community.
To her 38 grandchildren and her 26 great grandchildren she was affectionately known as Nanny, and she had a great love for each of them, never missing a birthday, wedding anniversary or a christening
She had a great love for animals especially her dogs, cats and birds. She also enjoyed the time spent in her garden tending the flowers and shrubs.
The esteem in which she was held in her community and indeed in many other communities was reflected in the large crowds of mourners who came to bid farewell to their neighbour and friend during her funeral from Killawalla Community Centre to the local church where her remains were received by Fr John Kilcoyne. On the following morning her Requiem Mass was celebrated by Fr Jack Garvey and Fr John Kilcoyne.
During the funeral mass the lessons were read by Michelle Devan and Michael Duffy.
The Prayers of the Faithful were prayed by her grandchildren, Tracy McGreal, Michael Feehan, Catherine Duffy, Chris Killeen, Edward Malone and Ryan Duffy.
The offertory gifts were carried to the altar by Eileen Burke, Ann McGreal, Patricia Duffy, Catriona Gilmartin and Kevin Feehan.
During the Post Communion Reflection her granddaughter, Fiona Audley, recalled happy memories from Mary Kate’s 81-year journey through life.
Mary Kate, who was predeceased by her husband Mike in 1976, is survived by her daughters, Delia, Killawalla; Mary and Ann, Westport; Kathleen, Islandeady; sons, Pat, Ballyheane; Joe and Michael, Manchester; Kevin, Castlebar; Ray, Killawalla; sister, Eileen Burke, Ballyglass; brother-in-law, Martin Burke, Ballyglass; sister-in- law, Noreen Lally, USA; daughters-in-law, sons-in-law and her many other relatives and friends to whom we extend our sincerest sympathies.
May her gentle soul rest in peace.