Philomena loved family, life
THERE was widespread sadness on the death of Philomena Barry (nee Lockhart) late of Mullaghmore on the 11 th of October 2019 aged 97. SHE passed away peacefully at her home in the loving care of her sons Pat and John and surrounded by her friends and neighbours.
Philomena was born on the 6 th of August 1922 in Kilcat House, Grange.
Her parents were Mary Ellen Currid and John Lockhart. She was predeceased by her husband, Patrick in March 1986 and her eight siblings Joseph, Maura, Deila, Tom, Sadie, Kathleen, John and Frank.
Philomena attended Benbulben National school and worked in a hotel in Strandhill before travelling to England to work and spent six years there.
She returned home and married Patrick Barry from Mullaghmore.
Philomena came to live in Mullaghmore in 1956 - ironically over looking the White House which is on the Classiebawn Estate where her father was born and her ancestors had lived for 80 years.
She worked as housekeeper for Lord Louis Mountbatten and his family at Classiebawn Castle.
During this time she had the pleasure of meeting Charles Conrad - an American astronaut who commanded Apollo 12 space mission in 1969.
She also met Eamon Andrews of ITV’s This is your life and his wife Gráinne who were guests at Classiebawn Castle.
She also worked in the Convent of Mercy in Mullaghmore.
In 2015 she greeted Prince Charles and his wife The Duchess of Cornwall when they visited Mullaghmore.
Last August she attended the memorial service to mark the 40 th anniversary of the Mullaghmore tragedy in which Lord Louis Mountbatten, Lady Doreen Brabourne, Nicholas Knatchbull and Paul Maxwell lost their lives.
Philomena lived for her family, her home.
She was a renowned baker and loved cooking, flowers, gardening, Irish music and dancing. She was a woman of deep faith and always on hand to help her neighbours and friends of whom she loved dearly.
Her funeral Mass which was large and representative took place in the Star of the Sea Church Mullaghmore on the 14 th of October and she was laid to rest in Ahamlish cemetery. The funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr John Carroll and concelebrated by Fr Pat Lombard. She is survived by her sons, her neighbours and friends, and her relatives.
Think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched, for nothing loved is never lost and she was loved so much.
Go mbeidh sí in a luí I measc na Naomh. In ár gcroí go brách, in ár gcuimhne go buan!