Paula Leahy (49) wasa fun, vibrant women
PAULA LEAHY. Ard Mhicil, New Ross, who passed away peacefullly on January 11 after a lengthy illness, lived an amazing life, in which she travelled the world, embracing new experiences every day, furthering herself, while caring for others.
Paula grew up in Ard Mhicil, the daughter of Jack and Gretta Leahy and sister of Timmy, Thomas, Mary, Christina and Fionnuala.
Having attended St Jospeh’s NS and the Mercy secondary school she left for London where she worked for a number of years. She moved to Holland where she lived for several years, before moving to Thailand, Zanzibar and Nepal. She travelled to India many times and loved the people and places she travelled there.
Having explored these countries, Paula headed for the bright lights of New York before finally returning to Dublin where she began doing social care work. She found her calling in this field working for CCC. She studied Social Science. Paula loved working with children and was one of the first social care workers in Ireland to provide after care for people who had been through the system until they were 18. Along with her team she helped many teenagers improve the quality of their lives.
Travel was still uppermost in Paula’s mind and she enjoyed many trips to countires to several countries in South America with her friends.
Paula moved back to New Ross, living in Ballindoney, Ballywilliam and worked in Wicklow. She later got a job working with Acquired Brain Injury patients at a residential house in Waterford.
All her life Paula loved being ooutdoors, especially kayaking on the River Barrow or at Carnivan beach, another favourite spot of hers.
She loved being near her nephews and nieces and her friends, who she always kept in touch with, no matter what part of the world she was in.
An independent minded, fun, vibrant, spiritual woman, Paula left a lasting impression on whoever she met. She always searched out people in need and volunteered her time to help them. She even met the Dalai Lama and went to see Mother Teresa. Paula fell ill around three years ago and passed away peacefully aged 49 at the Leahy family home in Ard Mhicil, where she lived in recent times, on January 11.
A large crowd attended her funeral Mass at St Mary & St Michael’s Parish Church. Her friend Rónán Ó Snodaigh fom Kila and another musician performed a shamanic song at her graveside as she was laid to rest in Rosbercon Cemetery.
Paula is survived by her parents Jack and Gretta; sisters, Mary, Christina and Fionnuala; brothers, Timmy, Thomas; nieces; nephews; relatives; neighbours and friends.
May her brave soul rest in peace.