Nugent, Margaret (Peg)
December 20, 2012Margaret (Peg) Nugent, more affectionately known to most as Nanny Nugent, passed away peacefully on 27th November 2012.
Born at Mullinafawnia, Rath on 21st January 1920, she was the first born of Daniel and Bridget Herrick, sister to Bride (Spain), Nan (Pooley), Kitty (Herrick), Tessie (Ryan) and Clare (Flynn). She first met her future husband when she was only a few weeks old, when he as a young boy, nursed her on his knee. Peg attended Rath School from the age of four years and met her lifetime friend Bridge Grennan.
On leaving school at the age of 13, she worked as a housekeeper for the Parish Priest, and teacher. She also spent many years as sacristan in English Church. She then worked as house parlour maid and would often reminisce of her encounters with the Earl of Rosse.
Peg gave up employment after she married Timothy Nugent in 1939, as she was happy to take up the duties of housewife and mother. Together they started a family, Bernard, Timmy, Tony, Mary (Wright), Frank and Ollie. After living in various quarters around the Rath area, they settled in their home at Rathure.
Recollection and stories of Peg resound of a life fully lived. She is remembered for her unfailing warmth and welcoming nature, her gentleness and generosity, her interest in community matters and her steadfast dedication to her family. She is remembered for her sense of fun and 'divilment'. She had a passion for craft, spending much of her time knitting, crocheting and embroidering. There was many a doll decked out in knitted Offaly coloured garments, even if their owners were Tipperary supporters! Her most recent creation was a knitted patchwork quilt which, she completed with various family members in her 90th
year.
Peg had a keen interest in sport, most especially the GAA, and she told many stories of playing camogie in the mid 30's. She was a keen follower of Drumcullen GAA and Camogie teams, and travelled regularly to matches to see her children and grandchildren play. She also loved dancing and traditional music, her rendition of 'the moonshiner' was heard at all family gatherings.
Peg enriched many lives, not least those of her family, with her generosity and friendship. The wellbeing of her family, friends and neighbours was of utmost importance to her. She always had a candle lit for the intention of a loved one, be it an exam, an interview, an illness or a match. She gave freely of her time to various local organisations throughout the years, not least the Rath Branch of the ICA and Mentally Handicapped Association, and her book stall at the annual sale of work.
Peg was first and foremost a family woman, and was happiest when in the company of her family. She was very proud of and loved dearly her children and grandchildren, and her passing has left a great void in their lives. Having lived with her son Ollie and his wife Bernie, she also mothered their children. It can be said of Peg that she not only practiced her faith but she lived it out. She was devout in her Catholic faith and had special affinity to the Rosary, St Martin de Porres and Padre Pio. She enjoyed her annual pilgrimage to Knock Shrine and monthly Padre Pio Mass in Birr.
The Nugent Family wish to thank sincerely all who sympathised with them, attended the funeral, travelled long distances, sent cards and telephoned. Thank you for your thoughts, stories, prayers and practical support, this has not gone unnoticed and will be needed in the weeks ahead. Thank you to Fr. John Moorhead for his regular visits and prayer with Peg. Thank you to the Doctors of Kilcormac Medical Centre who cared for Peg for many years. Thank you to Mr Patsy McGuiness whose professionalism and consideration really helped at this difficult time. Sincere and heartful thanks to the family members who cared for Peg in recent years, she was always so happy to have been cared for at home. Thank you to the staff of Birr Community Care Nursing Unit and Day Care Centre for the excellent care they gave during Peg's time there. It is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement of their gratitude.
Courtesy of The Midland Tribune. Tweet
