Teacher Marianne (69) inspired with kindness
MARIANNE Ward (née Murphy), passed away at her home in Kylemore, The Rower, peacefully at the age of 69, on February 4.
She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher and friend whose presence left an indelible mark on the lives of all who knew her.
Born and raised in Ballyrue, New Ross, Marianne was a woman of unwavering faith and boundless strength. Throughout her 45-year marriage to her devoted husband, Art, and as a dedicated mother to her children, Siobhán and Art, she epitomised selflessness and love.
Marianne’s family meant everything to her and she took immense pride in their accomplishments. She is also survived by her three brothers, Tom, Pat, and Séamus, and her four sisters, Kathleen, Angela, Ann, and Joan.
As an educator for over 30 years, Marianne’s passion for teaching knew no bounds. From Naas to Tramore and finally at the Mercy in New Ross, she touched the lives of countless students with her wisdom, compassion and dedication, many of whom still fondly remember her as a mentor and friend.
Marianne had a remarkable ability to connect with her students, inspiring them to strive for excellence and pursue their dreams. Her classroom was a place of warmth, encouragement, and growth, a place where she instilled in her students not only academic knowledge but also values of kindness, integrity and perseverance.
Her commitment to her students went beyond the classroom, as she was a fixture in student events, such as end of year masses, school musicals, and reflective retreats.
When illness forced her to retire on medical grounds, rather than taking it easy as advised by her doctors, Marianne volunteered at Raheen Family Resource Centre and, together with her sister Kathleen, restarted the New Ross Dyslexia Workshop providing an invaluable support to many children and young people.
When not in school or at home, Marianne could invariably be seen walking at pace around the back roads of The Rower. For her, walking was so much more than just exercise – it gave here space to breathe, to reflect and to pray.
Marianne made friends wherever she went and throughout all the different stages of her life. Her close friendships meant the world to her often sustaining her through the darkest times.
Despite facing a long battle with cancer, Marianne approached life with grace, resilience and an unwavering sense of gratitude. Her mantra, “I’m living with it, not dying from it,” exemplified her strength of spirit and determination to cherish every moment.
When she first received her diagnosis, she feared she would not go on to see and experience so much of what life had to offer. However, very much against the odds, she saw both of her children finish school, graduate university, find love, get married and settle down. She also welcomed two beautiful granddaughters, Amy and Lucy, into the world who were the true light of her days and gave her such joy in her later years.
Marianne’s legacy of love, compassion, and strength will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Marianne is now reunited her beloved parents Paddy and Maureen. She will be deeply missed, always loved, but never forgotten.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.