Fanchea Caden
(née MacNamara)

My deepest sympathies to Fanchea’s family, especially Des and her children.

I knew Fanchea as a maths lecturer in the RTC/GMIT in Galway, where she worked in the Dept. of Building & Civil Engineering. It was so evident listening to her students that she was completely dedicated to them in every possible way. They greatly respected her.

Fanchea was always open to exploring new ideas on the teaching and learning of maths with staff to prepare students for entry onto engineering courses or to improve their mathematical skills as her maths students. Her initiatives invariably had a great degree of success.

Fanchea never failed to cogently state her opinion on academic or management policies in ways that encouraged everyone involved to critically reflect on them.

Meeting Fanchea on the Ballyloughane Road at lunchtime was always a chance to get her opinion on something and her news.

Everyone who knew Fanchea will miss her openess, her common sense, her counsel and her curiosity.

RIP

Gerard Mac Michael

Sincere condolences to Fanchea's family. Fanchea was a marvellous colleague in GMIT. Every meeting with Fanchea resulted in a laugh and an appreciation of her integrity, energy and positivity.

I am so sorry to hear of Fanchea's passing. My condolences to all her family. She had a wonderful presence. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam.

I was so sorry to hear of Fanchea’s passing. She was so good to my dad visiting him with friends when he was unwell, which I know really helped lift his spirits. My deepest condolences for your loss.

Comhbhrón ó chroí le Desmond, Deirdre, Brian, Alan and the extended Caden and MacNamara family on the sad passing of Fanchea. She was a lovely colleague, a brilliant lecturer, always smiling and ready for a chat, she was a great character. May her kind and gentle soul rest in peace. Solás na bhflaitheas agus leaba í measc na Naomh dhe.

Sincere sympathy to Dessie and family on the passing of Fanchea. Also condolence to the McNamara and Caden family and their extended families. May she Rest in Peace.

Our sincere condolences to Fanchea's husband Des,her brother Michael and extended Caden and McNamara families on her recent passing. We have very fond memories of many a gathering in Conways 10 High St Sligo. Such a warm, vivacious lady who was always in good form and will be sorely missed by family and friends. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

I was so sorry to hear that Fanchea has died. We were at school in Colaiste Muire from 1956 to 1961. She was so bright and bubbly. Met her in recent years at Past Pupils Reunions. Deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

Condolences to all Fanchea's family. We were so sad to hear of Fanchea's passing. She was a beautiful lady and always such a joy to meet. Fanchea taught me (Liam) maths at RTCG in the 80's, her teaching ability, kindness & interest in students were immediately evident. Rest in Peace Fanchea, we'll miss you.

Deepest sympathies to all the caden and mcnamara families rip.

Dear Dee and family, so sorry to hear of the passing of Fanchea, we always found her to be full of life with a wicked sense of humour, one of a kind.

Very sorry to hear this news recently after Fanchea has passed. I am a former civil engineering student GMIT and also a neighbour. I always kept meeting Fanchea at the bus stop or indeed on the bus from Galway and always having talks of very much interested in her students, how am I getting along, where am I now and also the other students of my class always asking if I have heard about them. She helped me integrate into the year as I transferred mid year and really set out her maths class as being distinct from the rest – no one missed it, everyone was always there – and she made maths the subject very enjoyable. Everyone always loved being in her presence and indeed having a talk with her if they could. Very sad news to hear, sympathies to all her family and may she rest in peace

From the very first, Fanchea always gave a warm welcome when I landed on her doorstep with Dee, and always with such wit and humour. Fanchea was always smiling and had a knack of knowing what you were going to say just before you thought it, never mind actually express it. I held Fanchea in the highest esteem, a combination of cleverness beyond compare and kindness, and above all so full of joie de vivre and with the driest and funniest sense of humour.

Fanchea’s skill and creativity were off the charts and the handmade pieces she made were always incredibly impressive.

I really wanted to include Fanchea in my book about Galway, just because the book wouldn’t have been complete without her, so I was extremely happy to have the chance to do so. I’ll always remember that encounter outside Charlie Byrne’s before she went inside, and how serendipitous it was that I could see her through the window talking to Vinny, chatting and laughing long enough to be drawn! It’s only a tiny glimpse but I’m very proud of that little capture, so typical of Fanchea.

I feel the world is very much the poorer for Fanchea’s loss. I think everyone who knew her feels the same. Never was it more true to say - ní bheith a leithéid ann arís. My deepest condolences to all the family.

Much love, Róisín

My condolences to all of Fanchea family especially her husband sons daughters. Your mam was such a beautiful lady. Always happy and big hello for us all in the Renmore Pharmacy. Sorry I was gone away for her funeral. Gone too soon Fanchea May you Rest in Peace you lovely lady ❤️ 💕

Finola, Mary & Caden family, so sorry to hear about Fanchea’s passing, she was so lovely, thinking of ye all, RIP

To Alan and family. We would like to express our deepest sympathies on the loss of your dear mother. You are an incredibly talented and kind teacher to Emily. Fanchea would be very proud of you. Kindest regards Gráinne and Eoin Cotter

My heartfelt condolences to Deirdre and family, on the loss of lovely Fanchea, she will be very much missed and also to the Kelly girls and Fitzpatricks on the loss of their lovely aunt..may. She rest in peace

Sending our sincere condolences to the Caden family on the sad passing of Fanchea from Nancy and Martin Holland

Sincere condolences to the Caden and Mc Namara family on the passing of Fanchea RIP

So sorry to hear about your mother in law Louise, thinking of you Alan your boys and all the family at this hard time. may She Rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to the Caden family on the passing of Fanchea. RIP

Condolences to Alan, to your father, brother and sister on your mams passing. May she rest in peace. The ceremony was beautiful. She was a wonderful lady and a great support to Louise and the boys too, its a very tough loss in every way. Thinking of you all 🙏🏻📿

My condolences to Fanchea's family and friends. She was such a lovely person. GMIT was a richer place for having her there. Rest in peace, Fanchea.

I got to know Fanchea many years ago when she started buying shoes from me. We shared many laughs over the years. She was colourful and bright and an absolute joy to have as company.
My deepest sympathy go to all her family who have lost a very special lady. May her beautiful soul rest in peace.

Sad to hear of Fanchia's passing. Wonderful memories of all the Macs growing up in Ennis. Condolences to Finola and all. 🙏

Sincere sympathy to Des and the Caden family on the sad passing of Fanchea. I shared an office with Fanchea for many years in GMIT. She was dedicated to her students and a great colleague and friend.
Rest in peace Fanchea.

Sending my sympathy to Des and all of Fanchea's family. I was deeply saddened to hear of Fanchea's passing. I had the joy of being taught by her almost 20 years ago as an engineering student in GMIT. Fanchea was the heart and soul of the department and was so dedicated to her students. She left a lasting impression on her students and inspired so many of us to achieve so much in our careers. I have many fond memories of Fanchea, both during my time at GMIT and also catching up on life and work over a coffee in later years. She loved hearing about what we were up to after graduation and how we were getting on. She will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace Fanchea.

Sincere condolences to Fanchea's lovely husband Des and all the Caden family on the sad passing of Fanchea. She was such a gorgeous lady, always fun to meet & a great help to me in my early days of lecturing. She had time for everyone. Fanchea & Des were a wonderful couple who enjoyed each others company and one was rarely seen without the other. I still miss her on the corridors of the RTC / GMIT.
May Fanchea rest in peace.
Lorna & family.

My sincere sympathies to the Caden family. Fanchea was great colleague and friend in GMIT. She embodied the best qualities in teaching through her dedication and ability to engage and mentor students

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

My sincere condolences to Des and all the Caden and Macnamara families on the sad passing of Fanchea. She was a warm, wonderful person and work colleague and an exemplary lecturer.
It was a pleasure to have worked with her.
May her gentle soul rest in peace.

Sincere condolences to Fanchea's family and friends at this sad time. As a former student she was a real champion for her students. She was wonderful at teaching and made mathematics accessible to students who maybe didn't find it the easiest or most interesting subject. She was kind, humerous and would always go out of her way for you if ever you had any issues and as a consequence she was loved and hugely respected by her students. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam

To Deirdre and all your family,
Sincere condolences for the loss of your Mum. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time. Take care

Condolences to Alan Louise Cormac and Dara and all the Caden /Mcnamara families on the sad passing of your mum grandmother Fanchea Go ndéineadh Dia trócaire air a hánam dilis Áiméan All the Devaneys family in Mellows Park

Sincere condolences to all of Fanchea's family and friends. I loved being in Fanchea's company. She was such a wonderful person. May Fanchea rest in peace.

Niamh, Donal and Rory,
My heartfelt condolences on the passing of your beloved Fanchea. I met Fanchea only once but her genuine warmth and the laughter we shared in her kitchen in Galway decades ago left a lasting impression on me.

Very sorry to hear of the passing of Fanchea. She made a lasting impression on so many of her students. Her kindness, dedication, and high standards inspired us all, and she is remembered with great fondness by those she taught. I can only imagine the wonderful impact she had on her family and friends. My sincere condolences to you all at this sad time.

Sincere condolences to Alan and all the Caden family on the sad passing of Fanchea. My thoughts and prayers are with you all at this difficult time.

To Deirdre and all the Caden & MacNamara family.
Deepest sympathy on your Mam’s passing. Very sorry to hear the news and thinking of you all at this time.

Sincere condolences to the Caden family on the very sad passing of Fanchea. She was a wonderful, warm and friendly lady who will be greatly missed by everyone who had the good fortune of knowing her. May her kind and gentle soul rest in eternal peace.

Condolences to Des & Family. Fanchea was a fabulous colleague and a kind and sincere person who adored her grandchildren. May she rest in peace.

Fanchea was a kind, compassionate, warm colleague who had a huge a zest for life. She will be warmly remembered by both students and staff. Ar dheis Dé go raibh sí. Our sincere condolences to Des, Deirdre, Brian, Alan, Cormac and Dara and to all the McNamara family

My deepest condolences to Fanchea’s family at the loss of a wonderful person. I got to know Fanchea when GMIT and the University collaborated on the Foundation course which offered mature students the opportunity to gain entry to degree programmes at either institution. Fanchea taught on the Maths course for 2 hours on Tuesday nights. She took students from the basic levels to that which ensured they succeeded in their degree programmes. She was the first to know their names and always able to see their potential. As has been said, no student was left behind. Graduates of this programme went on to succeed in careers in Science and Engineering some progressing to MSc and PhD awards. I am in no doubt that Fanchea inspired them and instilled a confidence and can do attitude which was instrumental in their success. Her legacy is far reaching. I have had the pleasure of her company off and on during the years since and we shared many a laugh. I am sorry to be away and couldn’t share this directly with you her family, but was online this morning to hear the Mass and the wonderful eulogy which captured her spirit so well

Sincere condolences to Deirdre and all your family,
I had the pleasure of meeting Fanchea on a few occasions in recent years, including myself and Deirdre's Trinity 'graduation'. She was a lovely warm person and I truly enjoyed spending time in her company. May she rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to the whole family. We are very sorry to hear of your loss. May your lovely mum rest in peace.

Deepest condolences to the whole Caden family, especially Alan, Louise, Cormac and Dara. I remember your mum from when ye lived next door. She was a lovely woman, always friendly and loved her grandsons. I’m very sorry for your loss. May she rest in peace.

Sincere sympathy to Mary, Finola ,brothers, husband and children on the death of Fanchea.
We go back a long way to when the Mac family lived on Station Road Ennis. I was a class mate also in Colaiste Muire.
Fanchea was always great fun, a brilliant student who wore it very lightly.
Maths was the bane of my life during those Colaiste years and many nights I visited Fanchea for help with the homework. She never complained, but offered me the help then ,that she afforded her students in Galway as I have
learned from the glowing account of her years in GMIT on the occasion of her death.
Fanchea ,May your soul rest in the eternal peace of Heaven.

My sincere sympathies to Fanchea’s family and friends.

Dear Deirdre and family,
Please accept my deepest condolences on the passing of your mother Fanchea. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
With deepest sympathy
Cathal Mc Auley (CRANN TCD)

My sympathies to Fanchea's family on your enormous loss, because she was such a beautiful person. She was a lovely colleague and you always felt happier after a little while in her company. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dhílis.

Co bhrón o croí le Des, Deirdre, Brian, Alan agus le muintir Caden agus McNamara uilig.

Fancea Mac was a "once off" , a unique and wonderful Clare and Irish woman whose presence lit up and left a lasting mark on any company or room she entered.

I first met Fancea and all the McNamaras at 4 years of age when we were neighbours in Crusheen for a short while. A strong family bond was born then and grew even stronger when I was lucky enough to reconnect with Fancea over these past years.

I am heartbroken that due to covid I won't be able to be with you at mass this morning.. ( I will be online).

Along with so many others, I really loved that extraordinary woman.

Codhladh sámh mo chara dhilis.

Heartfelt condolences to Des and the Caden family and to the Mac Namara family on the death of such a remarkable woman. Fanchea was a wonderful friend and a renowned and respected teacher to many students over several years. She will be greatly missed by many R.I P.

Sincere condolences to all Fanchea's family. She was the life and soul of the Engineering school.

May she rest in peace. Sincerest condolences to her family.

Sincere sympathy to Des and family on the loss of a great lady and cousin.
May she rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Fanchea's husband and family. A wonderfully warm and kind lady who gave so much to her students and to everyone who had the pleasure of knowing her. May her gentle soul rest in peace

Sincere condolences to the Caden family on Fanchea’s passing. A lovely lady and a fantastic lecturer who truly cared.
May she rest in peace.

Lovely Lady -Great Advice- Rest in Peace

Thinking of Des and the Caden family at this difficult time. Fanchea was an exceptionally lady and her loss will be keenly felt by all who knew her.

Condolences to the Cadden and McNamara families on the death of Fanchea, such a lovely lady.
Rest in peace dear friend.

To Fanchea's family and friends my deepest condolences. What a lovely lady and a pleasure to work with. May Fanchea rest in eternal peace.