Breda was a true lady with a great enthusiasm for life
PEOPLE throughout Enniscorthy and the surrounding counties were both shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of Breda English (nee: Loughnane), of Court Street Enniscorthy.
Originally from County Tipperary, Breda was born in Thurles on November 8, 1931.
She met her future husband, Thomas English, at a match between Tipperary and Wexford in Semple Stadium.
Hurling and GAA were major topics for both sides of the family and there was great banter when the matches were on.
The couple were married in 1957 in Enniscorthy. Breda and Thomas worked hard together, 24/7, for many years but thought nothing of it and they ran a thriving and highly regarded business together.
They were very well known throughout the county and further afield for supplying flooring and furniture to many households, churches and commercial premises over the years, working an average of 16- to 18hour days, and with the sincere smile and warm welcome that would become their trademark, as well as a reputation for being very honest and hard-working people.
There was always a full house, with the extended English family enjoying homemade tarts, breads and hearty meals.
Breda and Thomas were blessed with eight children of their own, four boys and four girls.
Breda was a woman of great faith and she never missed daily mass at 10 a.m. She retained her strong faith throughout her life and she prayed for many souls on request and also upon hearing of people in distress.
Breda was the type of person who always had time for people and with her jolly, amiable and good-humoured personality, she was always kind to others and was always smiling. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious and she made people feel instantly at ease when in her company.
Such was the reputation that Breda and Thomas earned for themselves through their business, that they had many families as customers down through generations.
When Thomas passed away in 2006, it hit Breda very hard and she was dealt a further blow with the passing of her son, Declan, in 2014; she missed both of them dearly.
Breda, like Thomas, was a life long Pioneer and also a non-smoker.
There was a fantastic bond between Breda and Thomas, both as a couple and in business.
Breda lived for her family and was a much loved Nanny to her 19 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In essence, she was a friend, mother, wife and great companion.
The last significant event she attended was in August last year, when she felt like a queen at the wedding of her daughter, Barbara, to her husband, Stevie.
It was a great occasion for all the family and Breda got to meet up with family members, friends and old acquaintances from her shop years.
Breda is survived by her children, Geraldine, Barbara, Eugene, Pechelli, Martina, Fidelma, and Damian, sister, Geraldine, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, extended family, relatives and large circle of friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Thomas, and son, Declan.
A public memorial mass to honour her memory will be held at a later date.