Theresa (nee Heraty) Gavin

Theresa (nee Heraty) Gavin, Derryulra, Cushlough. The peaceful death of the late Mrs Theresa Gavin took place at her family home in Derryulra on Thursday, April 16, after a period of illness. Theresa’s death was a source of great sadness for her family, neighbours and friends.

The deceased was born to Michael and Margaret (nee Nee) Heraty in Delphi, on the northern shore of Killary Harbour, on September 28, 1927. She was the youngest of six children.

Theresa attended the local national school in Bun Dorcha, after which she worked at home on the farm and helped her parents and family until she was 26 years of age.

In 1953, Theresa married the late Thady Gavin and came to live in the Gavin family home in Derryulra.

There, Thady and she reared seven children, three daughters and four sons.

During the mid 1950s, Theresa suffered a period of severe sickness, but she recovered after a year’s hospitalisation and heroically continued to raise her family, of which she was very proud.

Thady and Theresa were helped by, and in turn, looked after Thady’s parents, Petie and Nora (nee Heraty from Owenwee) Gavin. Petie died in 1962, while Theresa’s mother-in-law, Nora, passed away in 1974. Three years later, Theresa’s 15-year-old daughter, Bridget, died after a brief illness. This caused great grief to her mother, father and siblings.

Theresa’s husband, Thady Gavin, died in 1988, leaving her a sorrowing widow.

As true to her character, she kept up her spirits and enjoyed the constant support of her family, close neighbours and friends.

Her daughter, Nora, with her husband Pat Malone and children, lived in the family home with Theresa during the final years of her life. She was also visited regularly by the other members of the family.

Theresa’s wake at home, removal to Cushlough Church, funeral Mass (on Sunday, April 19) and burial in the attached graveyard were attended by large and representative congregations.

Some family members and relatives travelled from distant lands to be present.

Fr Jackie Conroy, PP Aghagower, was principal celebrant of the Requiem Mass and officiated at the graveside. Fr Micheál Mac Gréil, SJ (Loughloon), also concelebrated and gave the homily in which he praised the very courageous and selfless manner Theresa faced the major challenges of her long and fruitful life.

She was truly a wonderful daughter-in-law, mother and grandmother.

Theresa’s unique and very attractive sense of humour and her lucidity in conversation and letter-writing were widely admired among her family members and close friends.

She enjoyed working on the farm and doing farmyard chores.

Her devotion to prayer and Mass was very sincere. Her eldest son, Martin, when thanking all who helped his mother in her late years, also paid tribute to her love and affection for all of her family.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband, Thady; her daughter, Bridget; her sister, Mary Kate; and her brothers, Patsy, Mickie, Thomas and infant Peter. She is survived by her daughters, Mary and Nora; her sons, Martin, Pakie, Thady and Michael John; her brother, John Martin; her daughters-in-law, Martina, Sinéad and Sue; her sons-in-law, John Pat Scott and Pat Malone; her grandchildren and her great-grandchild. Theresa will also be missed by her other relatives, neighbours, friends and the local community centred around Cushlough Church.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis.