Margaretwasa lady forwhom her familywascore

THE death has occurred peacefully, after a long illness, of Margaret Lennon, Scotchgreen, Kilcurry, Dundalk.

Margaret was daughter of the late Patrick and Mary Murphy, and grew up on the family farm, ‘ The Keeran’, Tullyallen, Drogheda.

She moved to Dundalk in 1959 when she married Frank Lennon, whom she met when she was bridesmaid, and he was best man, at her aunt, Rose Ellen Haughey’s wedding.

Margaret and Frank settled in Scotchgreen, and raised a family of three - Gerard, Anne and Francis.

She was a proud, hard-working country woman, and was renowned for her jam-making and home-baking, particularly her brown bread, sponges and apple tarts, made with apples from the orchard.

No one ever left Scotchgreen without being treated to some baking, tea or free-range eggs. There was always a cupboard full of special treats for children who visited, especially her grandchildren.

Margaret loved her roses and spent many happy hours tending her garden. She was a lady whose family, home and faith were her life. She and Frank worked hard and were a very united couple. You rarely saw one without the other.

Sadly, Frank became ill in late 2002, and after a three-month stay in the Mater hospital in Dublin, he returned home, where Margaret cared for him until he died in 2007.

Her strong faith in the Sacred Heart sustained her through this difficult time, and she was always proud to wear her Gold pioneer pin.

Unfortunately, Margaret’s health deteriorated in later years, and she moved from Scotchgreen, to live between Gerard’s home and Anne’s home.

Though she missed her beloved Scotchgreen, she enjoyed the company of family and in particular, spending time with her grandchildren, who adored her.

As her illness progressed, and her mobility deteriorated, she moved to Dealgan House Nursing Home, where she made new friends among the residents and staff.

Despite her illness, Margaret continued to enjoy visits from family and friends and neighbours, and daily visits from her children and grandchildren.

She died peacefully surrounded by all her family on Friday, 19 August.

She is deeply regretted by her sons, Gerard (Balregan) and Francis (Melbourne) and daughter, Anne Reilly (Brid-a- Crinn), daughters-in-law, Verona and Samantha, son in-law Joe, and adored grandchildren, David, Karen, Ciara, Emily, Isobel, Rory and Lily.

She was predeceased by her loving husband Frank, baby grandson Mark and her brothers, Bernard, Vincent and Matt.

After reposing privately for one final night in Scotchgreen, she was publicly mourned at her son Gerard’s home at Balregan. Margaret then made her final journey on the Sunday morning to Saint Brigid’s Church, Kilcurry.

Father Vinod IC who came to know Margaret so well in her final years, celebrated a beautiful Requiem Mass. Symbols of her life were offered by all seven grandchildren and narrated by her godson, Malachy.

Readings were by granddaughters, Karen and Emily and the psalm sung by granddaughter, Isobel.

Prayers of the Faithful were read by son, Francis, niece, Valerie and nephew, Fergus. The Offertory gifts were brought to the altar by daughter, Anne and daughters-in-law, Verona and Samantha.

A beautiful fond eulogy was given by her son, Gerard, followed by a special song from granddaughter, Ciara, accompanied by family friend, Rosemarie Kelly.

Grandson, David concluded the Mass with a solo version of Margaret’s favourite song “Danny Boy”.

The liturgical music was provided by Susan Dixon, Olivia Finnegan and Rosemarie Kelly.

Burial followed in the adjoining cemetery.