Philly was at her happiest in town with friends
Philomena (Philly) Tobin, nee (Hannafin)
THE peaceful death took place of Philomena Tobin, 31 Stack’s Villas, Tralee on December 8, 2016. Philly was a native of the town and was born on November 2, 1938, in 21 Stack’s Villas.
She was the first born in the new estate. She grew up in Stack’s Villas with her parents Patrick and Sarah, and was the youngest child of fifteen children. Philly had a great relationship with all her siblings, and in later years, cared for Josie, Timmy and Hawley who lived in the family home. She was pre-deceased by all her siblings.
She attended the nearby primary school, Balloonagh NS where she developed lifelong relationships with her classmates.
Following the completion of her education, Philly began working in Denny’s Factory in Tralee, among her many family and friends. She enjoyed her time in Denny’s and often shared many fond memories of the boisterous activities, which occured there over the years.
Philly met her beloved husband Denis Tobin, formerly of Cahill’s Park, but also born in Stack’s Villas who worked in Kelleher’s Mills and later in Tralee Fire Brigade in 1960. They married in August 1964, and lived for a short period in Rock Street, before setting up their home in Philly’s native Stack’s Villas.
Together, they became parents to Catherine, John and Denny. They shared a happy life together, where family meant everything to them and later their grandchildren, whom they doted on. Philly was very proud of all her children and grandchildren, and all they achieved, but she had a particular ‘soft spot’ for her boys who could do no wrong.
In later years when Denis became unwell, Philly became his full time carer, where she tended to his every need. Sadly Denis passed away in November 2003, which left a void in Philly’s life.
She was a dedicated housewife, who loved to cook for all her family, but was at her happiest when she was in town, enjoying a chat with her many friends or attending her weekly bingo sessions. She was a popular character, known for her witty comments and was always the center of attention, regardless of her company.
She was a devoted member of the St Padre Pio Prayer Group in St Brendan’s Church, and attended their monthly meetings without fail. She attended the beatification of Padre Pio in Rome in 1999 and his canonization in 2002.
In later years she attended the Baile Mhuire Day Care Centre in Tralee, which became the highlight of her week. It gave her the opportunity to meet her many friends. She took great pride in her appearance and attended her hairdresser on a weekly basis. She was a wonderful neighbour and loved to help others in anyway she could.
She sadly developed dementia in 2016 and was cared for in her own home by her family, where she wished to remain. She kept an open door and loved a full house, especially when her family came to visit. She will be deeply missed by children Catherine, John and Denny, son in-law Brendan, daughters in-law Helena,and Lorraine, grandchildren Jodie, Martin, Mark, Gary, Danny, Jack, Charlie, Sandra and Brian, sister in-law Kathleen, nieces and nephews.