Eileen involved in many local organisations
THE SAD passing of Eileen Underwood has left a void in the lives of her family, friends and all who knew her.
Eileen Underwood (nee Harte), of ‘Bilrene’, Upper John Street, passed away last month at the age of 89. She is predeceased by her husband Christopher, daughter Mary, and son Bill.
Born in Johnstown in County Wicklow, Eileen was the youngest of 12 children and enjoyed a happy childhood. Following her education, she moved to Wexford where she worked in Kirby’s Chemist on the main street. She met Christopher, who was the managing director of Wexford Timber Company and the Stafford Group. They married and had four children: Mary, Jim, and twins Bill and Irene, who Christopher named their home ‘Bilrene’ after.
Eileen was involved in many organisations in Wexford town.
She gave outstanding service to the SOS Committee, which was instrumental in setting up and opening St Brigid’s Day Care Centre. Between 1974 and 1980, Eileen fundraised religiously on Monday nights and was dedicated to the aim of setting up the vital community service.
Eileen was also involved in adult education, particularly adult literacy which she taught in St Senan’s and the Killagoley Training Centre. Teaching was something that gave her great pleasure and she enjoyed helping people to develop their literacy skills.
However, Eileen is probably best known for her hospitality skills - she enjoyed entertaining people at her home and, no matter who came, they were always made welcome. It was fitting then that for almost 30 years, Eileen ran a Bed and Breakfast at her home in Upper John Street, welcoming visitors from all over Ireland and the world.
Every year, Eileen acted as host to a number of singers taking part in Wexford Opera Festival, of which she was a patron, and held a wine and cheese party in the house on opening night for her guests. She enjoyed attending Gala Night of the festival as well as recitals that took place as part of the event.
In addition to that, she was a keen golfer and was a member of Wexford Golf Club, winning various prizes and trophies over the years. She was also an excellent Bridge Player who always took part in the Wexford Bridge Congress competition.
She was a member of Wexford Flower Club and went on many trips with them during the summer months. She spent many evenings in her garden, perfecting the various flowers and shrubs and it was always immaculate.
When she was 70 she took up painting and found that she was a very accomplished artist. She worked with oils and painted landscapes, seascapes and still life. She donated one of her paintings to Wygram Nursing Home, of which she had the distinction of being their first resident when it opened in 2015.
She worked quietly for the community all of her life. She was very generous to the poor and also assisted those who found themselves homeless, taking people into her home and advocating for them in Wexford County Council to ensure that they got the services they required.
She enjoyed travelling with her husband Christopher, going to America, Cyprus, Spain and many other places. She was very particular about her attire. She was a woman of fashion and always looked her best no matter where she was.
Eileen was laid to rest in St Ibar’s Cemetery after funeral Mass in Rowe Street Church. She will be sadly missed by a large circle of family and friends: her son Jim and daughter Irene; sons-in-law Peter and Richard; her ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren whom she adored; extended family, relatives and friends.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis.