The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Ella loved life and all things creative and will leave a lasting impact
ELLA McCarthy Casherslee Tralee was Eulogised at St John’s Church following her peaceful death on April 26, 2020
Today I will be Ella’s voice & tell our moms story. I will follow with a short poem that I would like to dedicate to all families who have a loved one with Alzheimer’s.
Hi, I’m Ella Heart from Clonakilty. I was born along with my twin sister, Bernie in Ard House Clonakility, in the height of the snow 10th February 1932. We were both only 3.5 lbs in weight so were wrapped in cotton wool and kept close to the stove for 8 weeks.
I grew up on the farm with my 6 sisters and one brother. My father also owned ‘Hearts Bakery’ and when I finished school, I trained as a confectioner.
My only brother William also worked in the bakery and sadly after contracting meningitis died at the age of 21. My father was broken hearted and closed the bakery a year later.
Still wanting to pursue my career as a confectioner I saw an advert in the local paper for a job in Havercrofts Bakery in Tralee. In 1953 I hopped on a bus in Clonakility and so began my wonderful life here. A short while later I met my beloved Jack. We married and had six beautiful children, Patrick, Rosalyn, Michael, Jacqueline, Colette & Carol.
I had a wonderful life in Tralee & was blessed with the many friends I made. Spending our summer holidays in Clonakility always kept me connected to my family and friends there.
I spread my love for life through my love of gardening, baking, fashion and especially my piano playing throughout the years in the wonderful company of my family grandchildren Great grandchildren & my many friend’s. I am delighted to see that my love of all things creative has been handed down through the generations & my children & grandchildren have established careers in the music, fashion & the hospitality industry. To all of you - especially my grandchildren listening around the world Elisa Grace Ciarán William Jack & Allana - thank you all for being such a huge part of my journey.
As I grew older my memory slipped and I needed more care and support. For this I would like to thank the au pairs and carers that came to my home and to Kay and all at Baile Mhuire who shared their love & time with me. Thank you to Dr Buckley and Dr Liston, for always being at the end of the phone.
I lived my last few years in Fatima Nursing Home. I would sincerely like to thank each and every one of you in Fatima Home for the love, care and affection I was afforded during my time living there. I would also like to thank you for being such a huge support for my family.
Thank you to Fr Padraig Fr Nolan & The Gleasure funeral home for organising my final journey home.
Always remember to love yourself, love life and love each other. Ella’s family would like to thank most sincerely everyone for their kind words & support at this very sad time on the loss of their beloved mother Ella. Bhi sí ar solas na gréine.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.
Two Mothers Remembered by Joann Snow Duncanson (recited at Ella’s funeral)
I had two Mothers – two Mothers I claim Two different people, yet with the same name. Two separate women, diverse by design, But I loved them both because they were mine.
The first was the Mother who carried me here, gave birth and nurtured and launched my career. She was the one whose features I bear, Complete with the facial expressions I wear. She gave me her love, which follows me yet, along with the examples in life that she set.
As I got older, she somehow younger grew, and we’d laugh as just Mothers and daughters should do. But then came the time that her mind clouded so, And I sensed that the Mother I knew would soon go. So quickly she changed and turned into the other, A stranger who dressed in the clothes of my Mother. Oh, she looked the same, at least at arm’s length, but now she was the child and I was her strength.
We’d come full circle, we women three, My Mother the first, the second and me. And if my own children should come to a day, when a new Mother comes and the old goes away, I’d ask of them nothing that I didn’t do. Love both of your Mothers as both have loved you.