Bridie enjoyed a life well lived
Bridie Sherry, Williamson’s Place, Dundalk, who has passed away, was a devoted mother and grandmother, and a lady who enjoyed a life well lived.
Aged 80, she died peacefully on 9 March, 2020, in the wonderful care of the Louth County Hospital.
Originally from Williamson’s Place in the centre of town, she was a daughter of the late Gerard and Kathleen Neacy, and the last surviving member of her family generation having been predeceased by her sister, Eileen; and brothers, Paddy, Brendan and Tommy.
After attending primary school in The Friary, Bridie went to work in Connolly’s shoe factory, where she met her future husband, Paddy, who also predeceased her.
They were married 49 years and had a family of two sons and two daughters.
A hard worker throughout her life, both inside and outside the home, Bridie was always looking after someone, be it her own children, or her parents with the help of Eileen.
When her mother passed away Bridie went to work in McCormick’s Butchers, where she spent 25 years until the age of 75.
As she loved to chat, she built up a great relationship with her colleagues and customers in the shop, all of whom she regarded as friends.
She enjoyed being out and in the company of others, catching up on all the news.
As a younger woman, Bridie played football with the factory team, Blackthorn ladies, the side managed by Paddy. They took part in competitions around the Maytime Festival and she got great sport from that.
The whole family followed Dundalk FC, and
Jim (Jimmy) Gribben, Upper Faughart, Dundalk, passed away peacefully in the wonderful care of the staff at Louth County Hospital, Dundalk on 29 April, 2020.
Jim was beloved husband of his late wife, Mary and loving father of Pat, Tommy, David and Claire; and dear grandfather of Aaron, Amy, Oisín, Lauren, Mia, Shannon, Bailey, Sarah, Seán, Niamh and Cormac.
Jim, or Jimmy, as he was known to many, lived a very full life and was always ready for a new challenge.
In his working life, he was a baker in McCann’s bakery for 24 years, a cattle dealer, a welder, a bus driver and a maker of bus stop signs. A very practical man, he could always be counted on to find the solution to a problem.
Jim was generous with his time, she looked forward to the match commentaries on Dundalk FM of former player, John Murphy, who would always give a shout out to Bridie while on air.
Indeed, the radio was a valuable source of information and music for Bridie. She listened to LMFM throughout the day, and particularly enjoyed the talk shows.
Bridie and her sister, Eileen took many holidays together, at home and abroad; while in more always willing to help and was heavily involved in Faughart Parish, whether in the local Naomh Bríd GAA club, the Faughart Horse Show or even acting on stage in community plays.
He could relate to people of all ages and anyone who knew him knew that he loved a chat and telling stories, especially those with a punchline.
He was devoted to his late wife Mary, to whom he was married for 53 years. They went everywhere together and loved to spend time with their children and grandchildren.
As a couple, they had a great sense of adventure and loved to bring their grandchildren on days out, sharing their excitement.
Jim loved to travel and with Mary. He visited many countries over the years and made repeated trips to New York to visit his son and his family. recent times she relished spins out to Blackrock with her daughter, Irene.
The ‘Rock was always a popular destination, summer or winter, throughout her life - when she was younger and then with the children and grandchildren.
Bridie was a very proud granny. She loved dearly her six grandchildren, three of whom live in England, and she would travel over to visit them in their early years.
In 2018 he travelled to Australia to visit his grandchildren and came back with wonderful stories of his time there.
After reposing at McGeough’s funeral home, Jim travelled one last time through Faughart Parish where his neighbours lined the roads en route to St. Brigid’s Church, Kilcurry on 1 May.
Jim is survived by his four children; Pat, Tommy, David and Claire, daughters-in-law, Mary, Anita, Christine and son-in-law Kevin; grandchildren, Aaron, Amy, Oisín, Lauren, Mia, Shannon, Bailey, Sarah, Seán, Niamh and Cormac; brothers,
John and Donald and sisters, Gertie, Maura, Ita, Agnes, Beatrice and Imelda; extended family members and friends.
Jim’s month’s mind Mass will be streamed on https:\\www.faughartparish.ie\live-video\ on Sunday next, 31 May at 11am.
She loved hearing all her grandkids’ stories and spending time with them.
Mass and prayers were important to Bridie, who said the rosary every day for the sick and other special intentions.
She was proud of where she came from and contributed to a great community spirit in Williamson’s Place. She had wonderful neighbours and they shared some great stories down through the years.
Her family got great comfort and support from all those neighbours who came to pay their respects.
Bridie is survived by her children, Declan (England), Irene, Vanessa and Maurice; grandchildren, David, Michael and Catherine in England, and Alicia, Courtney and Caoimhe; son-in-law, Bruce Kinch; daughter-in-law, Noreen; sisters-inlaw, Mona (England), Rose (Newtownbalregan) and Marie (Fatima); nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.
After reposing at home, her remains were removed to St. Patrick’s Cathedral where the funeral Mass was celebrated by Fr. Maciej Zacharek.
Readings and prayers of the faithful were given by grandson, Michael; son, Declan; nephew, David and nephew-in-law, Mick.
Gifts symbolising Bridie’s life were taken up to the altar by grandchildren, Alicia, Courtney and Caoimhe. These included a radio, family pictures and her rosary beads.
Daughter-in-law, Noreen and son-in-law, Bruce participated in the offertory procession; while grand-daughter, Catherine gave a reflection.
Music was provided by Sarah McCourt and Brendan McCourt.
Burial took place afterwards in St. Fursey’s Cemetery, Haggardstown.