And numb’ – priest

all the Keevey’s. Her Christmas puddings were always sought after this time of year and despite being ill she made her usual batch last September for her children and grandchildren to enjoy this Christmas.

Fr Kavanagh said she passed on her great qualities to her children. ‘I felt even during the wake in the midst of everything that was happening, how as a family you welcomed everyone with a cup of tea. There was no panic and no chaos; there was simply getting on with it.’

He asked the mourners to take a minute to pray for Winnie and the Alexander family and their family in Chicago.

On Tuesday afternoon – shortly after the funeral Mass – Bishop of Ferns Dr Denis Brennan issued a statement on the tragedy, joining in solidarity with the many people throughout the diocese – and beyond – in extending his sympathy to the family of Lily Ryan-Alexander and her husband Doug, their sons Doug and Steven Alexander who died on their way to Cushinstown Church.

Sympathies are also extended on the occasion of the passing of Mrs Alexander’s sister, Winnie Keevey, from Lacken, New Ross, whose funeral the Alexander family were intending to join in prayer that fateful evening.

Bishop Brennan said that ‘ thoughts, prayers and feelings of sadness and compassion are with those in Illinois, Limerick and Wexford – and the many other places affected – at this time. It’s a story both of the strength of family and its enduring ties and it’s a story of the deep loss a family is now asked to endure as they come to terms with such immense tragedy.’