Paulinewasaladydevotedtoher familyandsustainedbystrongfaith
PAULINE O’Hanlon, Lennon Melia Terrace, Dundalk, who died on 4 September, 2017, was a lady devoted to her family, and sustained by her steadfast faith.
Formerly Miss Milne, she hailed from Trinity Street in Drogheda, but as a young bride of 18 moved to Dundalk and spent the remainder of her life in her husband, Thomas’s native town.
She always kept her ties with her family and home town. She worked in Donaghy’s shoe factory early in life.
The couple met at a dance on the Boyneside, and celebrated 68 years of marriage on 16 August last.
They set up home at Lisdoo, and remained in the area, moving into Lennon Melia Terrace when it was built, and raised a large family of nine. Sadly, youngest son, Shane, passed away in 2002.
Pauline was very quiet and unassuming, with a lovely personality, who ideally filled the role of loving and supportive wife and mother, as well as housewife, while Thomas was the breadwinner, working as a painter.
She contributed greatly to the household, and was gifted with her hands, which enabled her to make clothes for the children, and to whom she gave great support.
None more, than their involvement in sport, particularly athletics, in taking them along to race meetings.
Pauline placed great store in her faith, and had a staunch devotion to both Saint Brigid and Saint Gerard.
She attended the annual novenas in their honour in Saint Nicholas Church and Saint Joseph’s Redemptorist Church, and was a regular visitor to the shrine of Saint Brigid in Faughart.
Her grandchildren were also a focal part of life. She had a great interest in what they were doing and took pride in their achievements.
Her main hobby was making jigsaws, at which she was very adept, and would not attempt one with less than 1000 pieces.
Pauline also liked reading, and was an avid snooker fan, Willie Thorne her favourite player.
She stayed in regular touch with her family and school friends in Drogheda, returning to meet up with them.
For between 40 and 50 years, she paid an annual visit to her sister Juliana in Chorley, Lancashire, staying for three or four weeks.
She enjoyed attending musicals and talent shows with her daughterin-law Mary, and Mary’s mother.
They also looked forward to a weekly outing for afternoon tea in the Four Seasons Hotel, Carlingford; while she enjoyed regularly attending bingo with her daughters.
One of eight children, five boys and three girls, her death is the fourth bereavement in the family in recent years.
Her brothers, Ronnie and Raymond, passed away in 2016 and 2015, respectively. Another brother, Dermot died in 2012. She was also predeceased by her parents, Eoin and Juliana.
Pauline will be sadly missed and remembered with love by her husband, Thomas; daughters, Fidelma Gorham, Deirdre Bradley and Colette McElevey; sons, Eugene, Ambrose, Raymond, Aiden and Paul; sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren; brothers, Thomas and Desmond; sisters, Bernadette and Juliana; nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbours and friends.
She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Blackrock Abbey Nursing Home, where she spent over three years under the kind and gentle care of the staff.
Her family could not thank them enough and will be forever grateful for the care and attention Pauline received
Pauline reposed at her home from Tuesday until the following Thursday morning when she was taken to Saint Nicholas’ Church for Funeral Mass. Father Magnus Ogbonna CC was the celebrant
Four of her grandchildren, Pauline Bradley, Regina Lavery, Fergal O’Hanlon and Aidan McElevey presented a number of gifts at the altar that symbolised her life. These included a knitted cardigan, her novena book, a photograph of her late son, Shane and a jigsaw.
The Readings were given by son, Paul; and granddaughter, Aine Gorham; while the Prayers of the Faithful were led by grandsons, Conor Gorham, Dylan O’Hanlon and Dermot O’Hanlon and granddaughters, Jean Bradley, Meaghan O’Hanlon, Bronagh Moran and Amy O’Hanlon.
The Offertory gifts were taken up by daughters, Fidelma Gorham and Deirdre Bradley.
Son, Aidan gave a eulogy, and a prayer was recited at the graveside by granddaughter, Susan O’Gorman.
The beautiful music was provided by daughter-in-law Mary O’Hanlon and granddaughter Sabrina McArdle.
Burial took place in Saint Patrick’s cemetery.
Month’s Mind Mass was on Sunday, 8 October, 2017, in Saint Nicholas Church.