CatherinewasinvolvedinSt. Gerard’sClubandlovedtotravel
THE death of Catherine Conlon, St. Alphonsus Villas, Dundalk at her home on June 1st caused deep sympathy and regret among family and friends who confidently expected that she would reach the milestone of 100 years for until a few weeks prior to her death she had been in good health.
Just short of her 99th birthday, Catherine or Cassie as she was always known, had been living alone and looking after herself until her illness struck, for she was a very independent lady who saw great suffering working as a nurse during the World War II years in Scotland.
She was the last surviving member in a family of ten of Frank and Lydia Daly from Drumatee, but the family moved over the border to Drumgarra outside of Castleblayney where Cassie grew up.
She attended national school in her parish and later in Castleblayney before, in 1937 she entered Mearskirk Hospital in Scotland as a student nurse. After four years in Mearskirk and another two in Stobhill hospital, Cassie graduated.
After graduation she was appointed a staff nurse with Ary County Council in 1943, the same year that she was appointed a Sister (C.R.N.) in Bangour hospital. Three years later she joined the staff of Hairmyes Hospital in East Kilbride outside of Glasgow, and in 1953 she completed her midwifery training in Motherwell hospital.
Cassie then moved to London where in 1954 she was appointed staff nurse in St. Margaret & St. James Hospital in Epping. She later worked for five years until 1964 in Royal Eye Hospital in London.
It was while living in London that Cas- sie married in 1957 John (Jack) Conlon who was a neighbour of her family’s in Castleblayney.
Jack worked in the building trade in London and the couple settled in Harold’s Cross in SE London where their home became a welcoming refugee for relatives and friends travelling from home to settle in London.
The welcome mat was always in place in Cassie’s home, and many were indebted to Cassie and Jack for their hospitality and guidance.
Cassie decided to return to Ireland after Jack died in 1984, and after a spell in Drumgarra she bought a home in Dundalk in 1988 on St. Alphonsus Villas.
Her great sense of history was evident throughout her life and was heightened by the fact that she witnessed at first hand the bombs that fell on the cities and towns where she worked and she nursed soldiers from all sides without favour.
Upon moving to Dundalk, Cassie became part of the local community for she loved attending St. Joseph’s Church and was an active member of St. Gerard’s Club. She loved her garden and travel and visited relatives in America with her sister.
Cassie’s time in Dundalk was made all the more enjoyable in that she was surrounded by family and family members who took her shopping marvelled at the depth of her memory, and the independent manner in which she lived her life.
She will be greatly missed by many in her community and her family, for she was an inspiration to many.
Cassie is survived by her nieces and nephews and by family and friends.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Frank, Tony, Eddie, Barney, and Pat, sisters, Anne, Lydia, Bridget and Mary, nephew, Eamon Ward, niece, Lydia White and grand nephew, Francis White.
Having reposed at Ward’s Funeral Home, Castleblayney, Cassie’s remains were taken to St. Joseph’s Redemptorist Church in Dundalk where Requiem Mass was celebrated by Rev. Eamon Kavanagh, C.Ss.R., who was a good friendto Cassie in recent times and who gave a very moving eulogy.
The Readings and Prayers of the Faithful were given by family members, Breen White and Marie Fagan gave the Readings and Briege Darcy, Ronan Wall, Dervla Smyth, Lydia Ward and Michael Daly led the Prayers of the Faithful.
The Offertory Gifts were presented by Bernard White and Francie Ward, while the beautiful music was provided by Crenus.
After Mass burial took place in the family plot in St. Mary’s cemetery, Castleblayney.
Month’s Mind Mass on July 3rd in St. Joseph’s Redemptorist Church at 12.30 p.m.