Having lost our Mam, Kay, one month ago on March 18th, we her children, Clodagh, Annmarie & Siobhán, and our families, wish to take this time to remember her and express sincere gratitude to all who supported her during her short illness and who sympathised with us at the time of her death.

In normal times, when someone dies, we come together, share the loss, and remember the person we have loved.  One month later we celebrate the Months Mind, as we come together again to remember the life of our loved one.  Due to the extraordinary times we are in, we were unable to mourn our Mam Kay in any sort of traditional way. Kay’s passing has left so many of us unable to grieve properly. 

Our Mam, Kay, was an ordinary woman, but an extraordinary Mother, wife, nanny, mother-in-law, sister, auntie, sister-in-law, neighbour, B&B proprietor and friend.  She knew how to live, how to love and she has left a legacy of kindness in her path.  Her favourite saying was,

‘We are all just passing through this world, propping each other up.’

These words were never more apt than after she had left us as we experienced an outpouring of support from so many people, who propped us up in so many ways.

Kay loved people (especially feeding them!), hospitality, conversation, fun and 'doing things right' and we found it so difficult to be unable to offer her a traditional wake and funeral in her honour.  Yet, even while physically apart, we received great comfort and support in many ways.   

We were so moved by the simple acts displayed by those of you who stood outside the church to wish her farewell.  We were especially thankful to the residents of Boreen Lusk, for their touching tribute to Kay as she passed by, for the last time, on her final journey to be with Brian, our Dad.  To all those we passed along the way, who stopped their cars, the walkers who stood still and bowed their heads – we thank you.  Those of you who stood outside the cemetery, we felt your support.  We are so grateful to every person far and wide who phoned us, sent us messages via social media, signed the online condolence book, posted a card or letter, or sent a text.  Each message brought great comfort.  To our families and friends, thank you for all you did for us, from phone calls to food left at our door.  We know your homes are there for us to sit and hug you, and as soon as we are able to, we will be there, toasting Kay with a lovely cup of tea. 

A special thank you to all who attended and cared for Mam during her short illness.  There were so many wonderful healthcare staff involved, from those in Naas Vista Primary Care, to Naas General Hospital (Allen Ward staff); to Tallaght University Hospital (ICU & Ormsby Ward staff); St Vincent’s Private Hospital (Hawthorn Ward staff & those in Bloomfield High Dependency Unit) and finally, to the staff at St Vincent’s University Hospital Intensive Care Unit.  We are ever so grateful to all of these exceptional medical professionals who are working under very difficult conditions at the frontline of the current crisis, yet still find time for kindness.

We thank Fr. Michael Flattery, Fr. Liam Morgan PP, Fr. Sean Maher, Fr. Willie Byrne PP, and Kay’s great friend Fr. Jimmy Doyle PP, for their kindness and pastoral care.  They supported Kay while she was in hospital and helped us to make her funeral special under very difficult conditions.   We also extend our gratitude to Parish Sacristan Michael Eustace and Mary Farrell, Harpist & Singer.

Finally, we are especially thankful to John Glennon & his team at Glennons Funeral Directors for their professionalism, guidance, kindness & help.  Nothing was too much trouble for them as they supported us every step of the way.

We will be having a memorial to celebrate Kay’s life as soon as it is safe to do so and look forward to sharing stories, memories and hugs with you at that time.

You bring the stories and we will have the kettle on.