Family woman Joan was young at heart
MRS. Joan O’Regan (nee Black) of Kennedy Park who died in Wexford General Hospital on August 9 following a courageous battle with illness is sadly missed by her family and many friends.
Joan (72) was born in Duke’s Lane, Wexford in 1945, one of seven children of the late John and Johanna Black. As a young woman, like many others at the time, she emgigrated to England where she worked for a number of years in a boys’ school in Watford.
On her return to Wexford, Joan met local man Pat O’ Regan who was in the Royal Fusiliers. The couple returned to England and were married in Dagenham in 1965. They lived in Warminister, Wiltshire where Pat was stationed and their first child Margaret was born there.
The couple came back to Wexford when Margaret was a few months old, living in Wolfe Tone Villas and later Mount George. The rest of their family were born in Wexford. Following Pat’s death 15 years ago, Joan moved to Kennedy Park where she made many great friends. She never really got over Pat’s passing and missed him dearly.
Joan is survived by her daughters Margaret, Catherine, Lena, Mandy and Jackie; by her son Patrick; her 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; her sister Mary and her brothers Pat and John; by her nieces and nephews and her extended family and many friends. She was predeceased by her daughter Jacqueline who died in infancy and by her brothers Peter and Andy and her sister Annie.
Two years ago, Joan was diagnosed with cancer and she fought the illness with determination and courage. She lost the battle on August 9 when she passed away peacefully in Wexford General Hospital, surrounded by her beloved family.
Joan lived for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who visited her all the time. Forever young at heart, she loved music and played the cassette tapes of her favourite 1950’s and 1960’s songs every day.
Her daily routine always involved a visit to Pettitt’s supermarket where she enjoyed meeting people and having a chat. Afterwards, she would visit her sister Mary in Wolfe Tone Villas.
Joan had a strong faith and frequently lit candles in Clonard Church for the special intentions of loved ones. If someone she knew was sick, she would ask the Adoration Nuns in Bride Street to pray for them.
Joan had a funny side to her personality and was always laughing and joking with her family and friends. If you were feeling down when you met her, she would make you laugh with a funny story or comic turn of phrase. She was a very caring person and always worried about the welfare of others.
There was a huge turn-out at her funeral Mass in Clonard Church, in testament to a very popular lady who was known and loved by many. She was buried alongside her beloved husband Pat in Crosstown Cemetery.