The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Warm, gentle Marywas happiest in the homestead
THE peaceful death of Mary McSweeney (née Buckley) occurred on December 31, 2019 surrounded by her loving family, in her 95th year at her daughter Sheila’s residence in Knocknagoshel.
Mary grew up in Counguilla, Scartaglen with her three sisters and three brothers, and went to Scartaglen school. Mary worked locally in both the Presbytery Castleisland and JK Connors, both at Cragg and JK’s Emporium. Later Mary went to Herefordshire, England, where she worked in Home Lacey Nursing Home. She had the company of her two sisters, Kathy and Nora; and a good friend, Julianne O’Connor-Kelly.
Following her return home, she met and married Denis McSweeney (Denis Dan Hugh) in November 1953, and they enjoyed 53 years together. They were blessed with four children: Sheila, Mary, Kathleen and Dan. Mary adored her six grandchildren: Shane, Clare, Mariah, Daragh, Aidan and Lily.
Mary was a character all her life and had many a story of roguery to tell. Her sense of humour and wit travelled with her wherever she went and, as she would say, ‘sure we have to say something for the laugh’. She was always pleasant, polite, loved her old songs, recitations and music.
Mary took up child minding after her own fled the nest. She was a resourceful home-maker and kept up her skills of baking, jam-making and knitting.
Mary travelled twice to Washington DC, and on one of these trips she had the privilege of meeting Tommy Makem and Liam Clancy.
Mary moved to her daughter Sheila’s residence in Knocknagoshel about 12 years ago. This was like home from home to her, and she had the added bonus of the companionship and care of Louise O’Keeffe. She got to know the neighbours very quickly as they always popped in to say “hello”, no occasion needed.
Mary saw many changes in her lifetime and effortlessly kept up to date with modern times as she was frequently on Facetime and video calls to her daughter, Kathleen, in New York and also to her grandchildren whenever they were abroad. It was a privilege for Mary to live in a home environment all her life and that her family were able to enjoy her company, care for her, entertain her and, indeed, she entertained them just as much.
Mary is predeceased by her husband, Denis; son-in-law, Donal Curtin; her brothers, Jer and Paddy; her sisters, Kathy, Nora, Sheila and infant sister Hannah-Mary.
Mary will be dearly missed by her loving family, survived by brother Dan Buckley, sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews extended family and friends. Mary’s character will live on and remain in her family’s hearts forever.
“May the Rain fall softly on her Gentle Soul”
The family would like to thank Dr Emer Gill for her dutifully care of Mary, nurses who attended to Mary at home, Fr Gunn and Fr Buckley, Kennelly’s Pharmacy and the wonderful neighbours. In addition to this, the family would also like to thank all the Home Care Assistants who helped Mary over the years.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.