Elizabethwillbe missedbyfamily andcolleagues

DUNDALK Credit Union lost one of its most popular and warm-hearted members of staff with the death of Elizabeth Boland (nee Crossan) of Saint Nicholas Avenue, who worked for almost 40 years for the branch.

But that loss paled in comparison to the immense loss to her husband, Pat; and two children, Alison and Michael; and her close and extended family.

To Elizabeth, family was everything in her life, during which she excelled in her younger years as a champion Irish dancer, including among her impressive collection world, national and Ulster medals.

She passed away peacefully at the Mater Hospital on 26 February, 2017, evoking great sadness and sorrow. She was known for her very caring and ever-helpful nature, with a cheery disposition and indefatigable desire to help others in difficult situations, earning a unique place among her work colleagues.

Touching and wholesome tributes poured in following her passing. She was described as “someone with qualities that endeared her to all who had the valued privilege of her friendship. Also, she was “ever helpful with a sense of responsibility that was in tandem with her graceful presence and love for her family.”

The affection she exuded for her multitude of friends, affirmed her as someone who will be sadly missed, even though she is still ever-present, in spirit, with those whom she shared her smile – and an all too brief life span.

Elizabeth was the youngest child of the late Paddy and Kitty Crossan of Oliver Plunkett Park, who had two other daughters, Briege Quigley and sadly deceased Kathleen Mackin, along with two sons, Pat and Joseph.

At a young age, she joined the Meliora Heeney School of Dancing and showed a real talent for her native dancing, becoming an Ulster champion. Three years in a row she collected a host of national and world medals.

After leaving school, she went to work in Dundalk Credit Union which was such a big part of her life. She would have completed 40 years working there next October.

But paramount in her life was her family. Pat Boland from New Street was her choice of husband. They set up home in Saint Nicholas Avenue where they made many good friends. The couple were blessed with a loving daughter, Alison and son, Michael, and spent almost 32 years happily married. They would be often seen out walking together

She was a proud and loving grandmother to Taylor Beth and Flynn.

Their admiration for her grew with the brave and defiant manner in which she faced up to her illness which struck first five-and-a-half years ago. She met it head-on and gained a yearlong remission only for her cancer to return. Still, she refused to bow until she could do so no more.

She enjoyed reading and loved to travel. In the months before she became very ill, she and Pat travelled quite a lot, going round Italy, and took a break in Kilkenny and a holiday in Lanzorote.

Her death is deeply regretted by her husband, Pat; daughter, Alison McFadden (Letterkenny); son, Michael; grandchildren, Taylor Beth and Flynn; son-in-law, sister, Briege; brothers, Pat and Joseph; sister-in-law, brother-in-law, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

After reposing at her sister Briege’s home, 28 St. Nicholas Avenue, on Monday and Tuesday, Elizabeth was taken to St. Nicholas’ Church, on the Wednesday for Requiem Mass.

Gifts symbolising Elizabeth’s life were brought to the altar by Briege Austin, Eilish Boland, Julia Boland and Taylor Beth McFadden.

Cora Clarke and Claire Quigley gave the Readings, the Prayers of the Faithful were led by Niamh Quigley, Jamie Connors, Aoife Boland, Fiona Mackin and Ciara Boland.

The Offertory Gifts were presented by Briege Quigley and Olivia Walsh.

Burial took place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery.