Dunne, Kathleen
February 01, 2012Kathleen operated a grocery shop on the Mountmellick Road, Portlaoise from 1957 up until the early 1980s, where she endeared herself to all who called into the shop.
She made many friends, not only with customers, but also with company reps and delivery men/women.
Kathleen was a fair and hard working woman who had time for all and was very generous with her time when something affected one of her customers or friends.
The focal point of Kathleen's life was her deep sense of faith, especially to the 'Sacred Heart' which helped her through some difficult times, which she bore with dignity.
Kathleen was a very loyal friend and could be counted upon to give the right advice and support to her many friends and family at different times throughout her life.
Kathleen was a popular member of the Portlaoise Juvenile GAA committee where she worked tirelessly to ensure the Portlaoise club was one of the best run clubs in the country, along with many other loyal lady supporters, past and present.
Again Kathleen made great friends with young and old from the town and surrounds of Portlaoise, through her interest in the local GAA.
Another great interest of Kathleen's was the ICA and again she was very involved, with her efforts ensuring that womens issues had a voice, and were discussed at the highest levels.
Womens issues and topics were always high on her agenda.
Kathleen walked many marathons for local charities and associations to raise funds for issues that affected her family and friends.
These included the Irish sudden infant death association, as well as Crumlin Children's Hospital, Dublin.
She also took part in local marathons to raise funds for Portlaoise and Tullamore Regional Hospitals, and St Vincent's hospital Mountmellick, again showing her unfailing support and community spirit.
These were also a great personal sense of achievements for Kathleen.
Her main devotion was to her husband John of 55 years, and her family.
John and Kathleen raised six children. Kathleen was a devoted wife, and a wonderful mother and loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren.
She encouraged her children and grandchildren to strive to achieve in life, and be happy with their lot.
Kathleen bestowed her love and wisdom upon her family.
She was the greatest teacher of all,untimately helping her family realise that life could come after death.
The gifts given to us 'her family and friends' will last long after her death.
She was a source of great joy in our lives and we will miss her great personal warmth and keen sense of honour.
Kathleen reposed at her residence on the Ballyfin Road and was removed to St Peters and Paul's Church for Requiem Mass followed by burial in Portlaoise cemetery on January 10.
Kathleen is survived by her husband John, sons Noel, Laurence, Sean; daughters Veronica, Imelda and Mary; sister Eileen Owen (Chicago), grandchildren, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
Month's Mind will take place on February 12 at 10am mass.
- Courtesy of Leinster Express, 1st February 2012 Tweet
