Dorothy had a family association with Mon art that spanned generations
WHEN Dorothy Oakes (née Cookman) passed away earlier this year, it truly was the end of an era. Dorothy was the last of her family to be associated with Monart House, a property that had been in her family since 1740. She sold the property to the Griffin Hotel Group back in 2002 and moved to Madeira Woods and now the land welcomes thousands of tourists every year as a renowned destination spa.
Born in 1931, Dorothy was one of four children, along with Harry, Elydyr and Edlyne, born to Dorothy Davis and Nathaniel Edward Rodgers Cookman, who was a Captain in World War I. Dorothy went to school locally and spent many happy days at Monart, helping out with her mother at home.
Before long, Dorothy met the love of her life, Billy. He had been renting land at Monart and romance blossomed, with the two eventually tying the knot in 1963. They welcomed two children Eileen and Sarah and were loving parents. Unfortunately, Dorothy knew her share of sadness too and she lost her beloved Billy in 1982 and tragically lost her daughter Sarah in 2001. Despite it all, however, Dorothy remained a vibrant and charming character and was well loved in the local community.
Dorothy was involved in several aspects of community life too. She loved to work with young people and she was a leader of the Brownies for years. She was also a green-fingered gardener and loved nothing more than getting out and doing a bit of work on her garden. She was also a member of the flower club. Given her wonderful historic family connections through Monart House to the likes of the Jamesons and Marconi, it’s little surprise that Dorothy also had an avid interest in history and was a member of the local historical society. She regularly went on trips with them and made some great friends as a result.
Dorothy was your typical doting grandmother later in life as she welcomed her beloved grandchildren Leanne, Billy, Jack and Paul, all of whom she loved to spend time with and was constantly asking after. Following her passing in June, there was a large attendance at St Mary’s Church in Enniscorthy to bid a fond final farewell to a woman well respected by all. She was laid to rest afterwards in the Moyne Graveyard.
Dorothy is sadly missed by her loving daughter Eileen, beloved grandchildren, sonsin-law Brian and Neville, nieces, nephews, relatives and a large circle of friends gathered over many years. May she rest in peace.