SHOCKING LOSS OF LIFE AT BEGERIN COMMUNITY UNITES
FOUR members of one family who were killed in a horrific accident last Monday, three weeks before Christmas Day, were mourned amid heartbreaking scenes at their funeral Masses in Cushinstown on Monday.
Doug Alexander (75), his wife Lily (née Ryan) (75), Doug Jnr (52) and Steven Alexander(49) died when their rental car collided with a 40ft articulated lorry at 6.30 p.m. on the N25 New Ross to Wexford road on Monday night last, December 4th.
Outside the 150-year-old St Mary’s Church in Cushinstown – which had been their destination that night as they were due to attend the removal of Lily’s sister Winnie Keevey – in the front garden of the parish house, a smiling snowman with red tinsel scarf greeted mourners who had travelled along the same road, now flanked by fields of white frozen snow, a heartwarming scene at odds with the devastation felt by the 300-strong crowd gathered inside.
Members of the Alexander family travelled from Strabane, Tyrone, where Doug Snr, a retired building contractor, hails from and from Limerick, where Lily comes from; while police officers from Bolingbrook Police Department in Illinois, where Steven was an award winning officer, attended.
Also in attendance were Bishop of Ferns, Dr Denis Brennnan, Minister for Defence Paul Kehoe, Cmdt Caroline Burke representing the Taoiseach, Rev Arthur Minion, Cathaoirleach of New Ross Municipal District Cllr Willie Fitzharris, Chief Supt John Roche, seveal Wexford gardaí and District Manager Sinead Casey.
Following prayers at Cooney’s funeral home in New Ross, the four coffins, three wooden, one grey metal for Steven, were carried into the snow covered church. Smiling photographs of their tragic occupants were carefully placed on top – to the mournful strains of Amazing Grace played by a lone piper from Bolingbrook Police Force.
Fr Seán Devereux extended his heartfelt sympathy on behalf of the parish, county and country to the Alexander, Ryan and Keevey families, some of whom were watching the funeral being broadcast live on the internet into their homes in Illinois, including the Alexander’s daughter Debbie Ceglerak.
Doug Snr’s nephew Sam Alexander recalled how his uncle and Lily met in America at a very young age, were married and went on to live the American dream. ‘They brought light and enjoyment to everybody they came in contact with,’ he said. ‘They enjoyed their music and Doug Jnr carried on that tradition. They loved their hobbies. Their lives were fulfilled when their grandchildren came along.’
He said Doug and Lily would want mourners to enjoy a celebration of their lives and not be sad. ‘Live every day as your last because you know what, some day it will be guys.’
Lily’s nephew Ryan Prior described his aunt as a bit of a messer who loved playing tricks on others. ‘If she had a smirk on her face, or wasn’t to be seen, you knew she was up to something. She was very young at heart and very warm hearted. She did the tricks because she wanted to bring people together to have a good time and put a smile on their faces. She helped so many friends and family from Ireland move to the US to get on their own paths towards the American dream. She comforted neighbours who were in need of help by stopping by and cooking dinners.’
He said the family were extremely proud of Steven, a 17-year veteran police officer highly dedicated to the Special Olympics and Girl Scouts who he taught self defence to. ‘He was a loving father to Trinity and Savannah and was so proud they both played ice hockey and learnt Irish dancing. We have shed a lot of tears in the last week and will do so for a long time, but it will all be completely be outweighed by the beautiful memories we have of this beautiful and much loved, beautiful family.’
He said the family spent some precious time together playing cards on the Monday the Alexanders arrived from Chicago.
Grace Prior said Doug was the kindest and most relaxed man. Describing Doug and Lily as an inseperable couple, she said: ‘In the evenings they loved sitting by the fireplace listening to 106.8Fm. They loved country music and it was a real taste of home for them. Maybe we can all take some comfort now that they will never be apart.’
She said Doug Jnr was always up for a laugh, describing him as a fantastic musician and a hard worker.
Fr Devereux said: ‘Trying all week to be some little support to the Keevey, Ryan and Alexander families has often made me stand back, asking why and wondering if this darkness will ever pass. A journey to grieve a sister, sister-in-law, and aunt ended abruptly, stunning those close to Doug, Lily, Steve and Doug Junior. When the realization of the immensity of the tragedy began to sink in,
‘I experienced a great pouring out of love and support. People showed themselves willing to do whatever had to be done to make the lives of those grieving a little easier.’
He said: ‘Doug and Lily lived the American dream. They went to the US to build a life for themselves and through hard work they did this. But they also enjoyed life moments. They were generous to the end.’
Fr Devereux said: ‘Four people with individual gifts that they did not box up and use only for themselves but shared with family, friends and with the community. They will live on as you remember their goodness, kindness and selflessness. So we are left with a legacy, shoulders to stand on, and an example to follow.’
Symbols of their lives including a banjo for Doug Snr, a golf club for Lily, a police badge for Steven and a guitar for Doug Jnr were brought to the altar.
Athletes from Special Olympics Ireland carried a torch to the altar in memory of Steven who supported the organisation.
A perfect rainbow framed St Mary’s Church as Doug, Lily, Doug Jnr and Steven Alexander were removed from the church on a sunny winter’s day.
Doug Snr and Lily were taken for cremation, while their sons’ remains are being flown back to Illinois, where all four will be laid to rest in a family plot, following services there.