Nadine lived life way she wished
THE death of Nadine Morelli took place on 20 September, 2018, at the young age of 38.
She passed away peacefully at her residence at Chapel Street, Dundalk, surrounded by her family, and following a short illness that she bore with great equanimity.
Nadine was the elder of two daughters of Domenico and Ann Morelli. Her mother sadly died in 2008.
Nadine displayed a happy demeanour which she retained through her illness and earned the fullest admiration of family and all who cared for her.
She was a day pupil of Saint John of God’s, Drumcar from her early years, for most of which she lived with her grandparents, Tom and Marie Mullen.
As a teenager she took up residence at the centre before moving into community living, first on the Carrick Road and then Blackrock, before moving to Chapel Street where she spent approximately the last decade of her life.
She was very happy there and immensely well cared for by the staff and volunteers with whose support and encouragement she was able to live the way she wished and engage in the activities she enjoyed.
Nadine loved watching DVDs. She was really into screen Super Heroes, with “Spiderman”, the king of the lot for her.
One of her greatest pleasures was a visit arranged by the “Make a Wish” foundation at the request of one of her carers, Jason, for “Spiderman” to come in person to see her at home. He arrived just weeks before her death with a present and signed an autograph.
She got great enjoyment from her tablet and going onto YouTube. She also enjoyed magazines and books and was a keen follower of television soaps, Emmerdale her favourite in recent times. She also loved the comedy series Mrs Brown’s Boys.
Nadine looked forward to outings to the cinema which were regularly facilitated by her friend, Hamilton.
Music, particularly Boyzone, gave her great pleasure. A big highlight was attending a concert by the band in Belfast and meeting the group backstage,
particularly her idol Stephen Gately, in one of his last shows with the band.
Nadine participated at swimming in the Special Olympics with much success. The medals she won were among the symbols laid before the altar at her funeral mass. Others included two family photographs and Spiderman and Mrs Brown’s Boys DVD.
She reposed at her Chapel Street residence on the Friday and her remains taken the next day to Saint Fursey’s Church, Haggardstown. Father Pádraig Keenan PP celebrated Mass and gave the eulogy.
In a fitting celebration of her life, friends from Chapel Street and Saint John of God joined in movement and singing the songs she loved.
These included Boyzone as she was taken from the church to be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery, and at the graveside.
Her niece, Anna and best friend, Pauline participated in the Offertory Procession.
A really touching part was the recital of a poem by staff member, Jason and dedicated to Nadine. Written by house manager, Alison, the opening line was “Heaven has gained a special lady” and it described how she was so very special in all their hearts, and her capacity to make people smile. Mary Treanor 1954-2018
THE death occurred on Tuesday, 2 October, 2018 of Mary Treanor, late of Bachelors Walk and Castle Road, Dundalk, in Saint Peter’s Nursing Home, Castlebellingham.
Mary, the eldest child of Charles and Sheila Treanor, was born in 1954, and resided in “The Walk” (an honorary citizen always!) until, following the death of her mother in 2001 and her uncle Joe in 2002, she moved to Castle Road to live with her sister Ita and the Hamill family.
Throughout her 64 years, Mary, though having limited intellectual abilities, brought much joy and happiness to many lives through her loving and lively simplicity. Her capacity to enjoy life was enormous, as was her capacity to overcome many obstacles and trials.
Mary first went to school in the newly-opened Saint Dympna’s School in Mill Street and then attended Saint Mary’s Special School in Drumcar.
Later she attended Saint John of God’s activation facilities, firstly in Hilltop, then in the Venegas Centre and finally in the Day Care Facility in Hilltop.
Mary was blessed for so much of her life to have the sustained support of the staff of the Saint John of God Order who treasured her in their midst.
The setting up of the Arch Club in Dundalk was another great gift to Mary, where she got to wiggle those hips with laughter and abandon for many years, having been brought there and home by members of the Red Cross on their precious bus.
Mary also got tremendous enjoyment from her membership of Dundalk Special Scouts and shared their motto “I promise…” at every available opportunity.
She also had great times with the generous souls in SPRED who ferried her, minded her and loved her deeply.
Mary spent the final five years of her life in Saint Peter’s Nursing Home, Castlebellingham. It was an incalculable gift to her family that in Saint Peter’s she was welcomed, loved and treated with the utmost patience, dedication and respect until her final moments.
Following her death Mary reposed in Castle Road and her family was greatly comforted by the many people who called to pay their respects.
Her Funeral Mass was held in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral and celebrated by Father Mark O’Hagan, P.P. It was a simple but moving ceremony in which many family members took part.
The unobtrusive and professional manner in which McGeough’s Funeral Directors brought everything together was greatly appreciated by the family.
Mary’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral on Sunday, 4 November at 11.30 a.m.