The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Teresa touched many lives in a positive way
TERESA Smullen (née O’Brien) of 103 Marian Park, Tralee passed away on November 6 after a short illness which she faced with great determination and faith. Teresa was born in 1951 to parents John and Mary O’Brien. She was the second youngest of eight children. She attended Moyderwell Primary School and later went on to work in St John’s Laundry in Balloonagh.
Teresa went to England at a young age and in 1969 she met the love of her life, Brian, in The Gresham Ballroom in London. They returned home and were married in 1970 in St John’s Church. They settled in Brian’s home town of Rhode in Co Offaly and it was there they had their first born Geraldine. Shortly after her arrival they decided to relocate to Tralee and they went on to have a further seven daughters. Teresa was a devoted wife and mother. She gave her whole life to rearing her children and grandchildren in the following years. She was happiest when she in the heart of the home with her family around her.
Tess and Brian enjoyed travelling all over Cork and Kerry during the summers and in more recent years she enjoyed travelling to Lourdes with her sisters. When Brian sadly passed away in 2013, this was a huge loss for Teresa as her had been her life partner of 44 years, however, she focused on her family to help her through that difficult time.
Teresa was diagnosed with Motor Neurons Disease in March of this year, her family and friends surrounded her and gave her the strength and determination to battle it to the end.
Teresa always had strong faith and enjoyed going to Mass on a daily basis as well as attending any Novenas that were on. Her strong faith gave her great comfort to her throughout her illness.
Teresa passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of UHK. Her remains were removed from her residence to St John’s Church where the Mass was officiated by Fr Sean Jones. Fr Sean was also joined by Fr Teddy Linehan, Fr Brendan Walsh and Fr Pat Crean Lynch. It was a heartfelt ceremony in which Fr Sean spoke beautifully about Teresa and her family. There were tributes read out on behalf of the family describing what a fantastic sister, mother, grandmother, friend and neighbour Teresa had been. She touched the lives of so many people in such a positive way her loss will be greatly felt by all.
Teresa is survived by her three sisters Mag, Mary and Philly; her eight daughters Geraldine, Elizabeth, Mary, Teresa Ann, Bernadette, Caroline, Siobhan and Roisin; her 19 grandchildren, sons-in-law, relatives and friends.
The Smullen family would like to extend their thanks to Dr Helena Moore, Dr Patricia Sheehan, Dr Mags Clifford and their teams. Dr Angela O’Donoghue and staff. All the staff in Shine’s pharmacy. To Fr Sean Jones, Fr Teddy Linehan, Fr Brendan Walsh and Fr Pat Crean Lynch. The Hospital Chaplains Tara and Mary, McElligotts Funeral Directors. musicians at the Church and graveside.
A special thank you to all the staff of the Inpatient Palliative Unit in UHK for looking after Teresa with such care throughout her illness. The family will be eternally grateful to each one of you for this.