Further sadness for Do no hoe family following Marie’ s passing
THERE was further sadness for the Donohoe family of Enniscorthy last week following the passing of Marie Hogan (née Donohoe) of Milehouse, Enniscorthy. Marie’s passing comes just three short months after the untimely passing of her sister Geraldine and six months since the passing of her father Michael, whom she cared for up until his death.
A large congregation, containing many of the same faces arrived at St Aidan’s Cathedral on Thursday to bid a fond farewell to Marie who passed away following a brave battle with illness. Her brother Johnny spoke of a woman who experienced several tragedies throughout her life, but did so with great dignity and strength throughout. He said that the death of Marie’s mother Lena in 2006 had a profound impact on her, as they were more like sisters than mother and daughter. This was followed by the tragic death of her eldest daughter Lena from cancer in 2009 and the passing of her sister Liz, who had been there for her throughout these difficult times, in 2012. Johnny then spoke of the most recent passing of his father Michael and sister Geraldine and how it has taken a terrible toll on the family.
‘Marie was the eldest and she was always there for us,’ he said. ‘But she never interfered. She was always there to help. I hope she’s up there with my mother and father and her two sisters and daughter now and is at peace.’ Born in 1952, Marie was the eldest of five children of Michael and Lena Donohoe. Renowned for her kind and caring approach, she grew up at the family home in Bellefield Road and was well known around town, particularly having served her time behind the bar at the family pub. However, that’s not the only place that Marie worked. She also served her time at the grocery shop at St Aidan’s, at Reid’s Grocery Shop and at Enniscorthy Vocational College.
Fr Odhran Furlong described a woman who was always grateful for what she had. ‘ The least little act of kindness and she was always profuse in her thanks,’ he said. ‘When visiting her in hospital over the last few months, I knew it was making a difference to her. She was so appreciative of all that was done for her by the staff and her family.’
Marie was a woman of great faith and regularly travelled to Fatima with her mother over the years. Family was very important to her and she loved to spend time with her mother and sisters, chatting over a cup of tea. This practice then extended to her beloved daughters Joyce, Maura and the late Lena whom she was completely devoted to and instilled in them ‘manners, respect and good moral values’ which serve them well to this day.
One of her favourite social outlets was the Delightful Dollies where she forged some enduring friendships and the group gave her a guard of honour as her coffin was brought to the Cathedral on Wednesday evening.A real doting grandmother, Marie loved to spend time with her grandchildren Sophie, Patrick, Ciaran and Nicole whom she adored and was always knitting something for. Following a moving ceremony, Marie was brought to her final resting place at St Mary’s Cemetery.
Marie was the beloved mother of Joyce, Maura and the late Lena and loving daughter of the late Michael and Lena. She is sadly missed by her loving family, sons-in-law Damien and Liam, grandchildren Sophie, Patrick, Ciaran and Nicole, brother Johnny sisters Bridget and Patsy and the late Liz and Geraldine, nephews, nieces, relatives and many friends. May she rest in peace.