LilyQuirkewas happiestwhen withherfamily
THERE was a widespread sadness throughout Wexford on the passing of Lily Quirke (nee Salmon) from Ashfield Drive.
She was a great character, a loving daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and a good neighbour and friend.
Lily was born on October 11, 1937, to Thomas Salmon and Elizabeth McLoughlin, and she was the oldest out of four girls.
She is pre-deceased by her beloved husband Nick, who passed away in 2011.
Lily was a hard working person and started her working life when she was 14 years old. She spent 16 years working in Celtic Linen, then moved to Clover Meats, before finally becoming a nanny to the children of the late Dr O’Mahony of Granard Villa, Crosstown.
Lily loved music, especially Joe Dolan, and she was delighted to see him on many occasions.
A very sociable person who enjoyed dancingm she would frequently visit the ballrooms and dance halls of Wexford with her friends, until she settled down with her husband Nick in 1973.
Soon after, Nick and Lily welcomed their first son, Nicholas, and they both adored the ground he walked on.
Lily loved all of her children and was happiest when spending time with her grandchildren.
Her personality and great sense of humour lit up many social occasions, and she enjoyed having a laugh and a joke with those she came across.
Lily was often compared to soap character Vera Duckworth from Coronation Street, as she was a lovable character, who had a heart of gold and did not suffer fools gladly.
She liked to go to field days and auctions with husband Nick and they drove the length and breadth of Wexford searching for bargains.
Her favourite saying was, ‘if you see an item for sale without a plug on it, don’t buy it.’
Lily also loved going to bingo and would attend at least once a week, where she would meet up with friends and would, hopefully, top the night off with a winning line.
She enjoyed the simple things in life and always gave her time to those in need. Her door was always open to her family and friends for a cup of tea and a chat, and if you stayed long enough, you were served dinner as well.
The last few years, Lily suffered with ill health, but she never gave up and fought the bravest of battles, until God called her to rest.
Lily is survived by her son Nicholas, sisters Betty, Philomena, grandchildren Bronwyn, Freya and Rhys, nieces and nephews. She is pre-deceased by her husband Nick and her late sister Margaret.
Lily’s Month’s Mind Mass will take place this Thursday, November 2, at 5.45 p.m., in Rowe Street Church, and on Sunday, November 5, at 7 p.m., in Clonard Church.