Tributes paid to late Vanessa who will be remembered for ‘wonderful spirit’

THERE was great sadness in Sligo this weekend following the passing of the much loved Vanessa Job.

Adored by many, Vanessa worked in Hawk’s Well Theatre and was well known to many for her involvement in the arts..

She hosted many events at the theatre, and could often be seen on the stage too.

In a tribute, Hawk’s Well Theatre said: “Hawk’s Well Theatre is filled with sadness today as we hear the news of the passing of our dear friend and former colleague Vanessa Job.

“There are no words to describe Vanessa’s huge presence during her time here. She was a friend to all who had the privilege to meet her.

“Vanessa will be remembered for her warm welcoming smile, her brilliant sense of humour and sharp wit and of course, her bold red lipstick!

“During her time at the Well, Vanessa hosted Books and Hot Chocolate and Books & Wine. No stranger to the stage, she was involved in Sligo Acts, Kieran Quinn Theme Nights, Sing for the Hell of It, and performed with Sligo Fun Company and much more.

“Our thoughts are with her family and everyone who loved Vanessa.

“Vanessa, we will miss your wonderful spirit, your sense of fun and the sound of your voice singing echoing through the building.

“We will all be raising a glass of wine to our dear friend Vanessa this evening.

“As we all process this massive loss, there will be a book of condolences in the Hawk’s Well foyer for anyone who wishes to share their memories of dear Vanessa.

“The lights at the Hawk’s Well are dim today.”

Vanessa passed away on Friday, April 12, peacefully and surrounded by her loving family and friends in the care of the nurses and staff at North West Hospice.

Vanessa, predeceased by her parents Margaret and Seamus Connolly and her brother Darelle Connolly.

Beloved wife of Octavius and adored mother of Katie, Rollo and Bella and grandmother of Logan.

She will be sadly missed by her husband, daughters, son, grandson, sisters Estelle and Majella, nieces, nephews, relatives and her many friends.

A Celebration of Vanessa’s Life took place in Hawk’s Well Theatre on Sunday, April 14.

In another tribute, Kieran Quinn, musician, said: “Vanessa Job loved to sing.

“She was going to sing Memory from Cats with us on the Musicals Theme Night – I’ ll never forget rehearsing it with her and being moved both by the power of her voice and by the emotion with which she sang it. She told me that the lyrics spoke to her given the turn her life had taken.

“Illness didn’t allow her take the stage with us that time, but happily she did join us for Theme Night #31 (Stories) last year, where she sang Jolene.

“She was so popular in the Hawk’s Well. Given our close ties with the theatre we couldn’t help but be infected by her personality and enthusiasm every time we brought a show there.

“Her box-office sing-offs are the stuff of legend, and the love and respect that her colleagues had for her was clear, and is a testament to the lady she was.”

Cairde Arts Festival added: “We want to pay tribute to Vanessa Job, a wonderful and dear colleague and friend who sadly passed away this weekend. Vanessa worked at Hawk’s Well Theatre, Sligo for many years and it was a real joy and privilege to work with her and get to know her during this time.

“An incredibly warm, kind, wise, empathic, creative human being with a brilliant sense of humour - she brought joy to everyone who met her.

“We extend our deepest condolences to her family, close friends and to everyone who loved Vanessa. RIP you wonderful human being.”

Vanessa was a painter, too, and raffled off some of her work for charity.

In 2021, Vanessa was featured in Evelyn O’Rourke’s TG4 documentary, Evelyn O’Rourke: Ailse & Ise.

This documentary charted the experience of women who were diagnosed with cancer and was filmed during Vanessa’s treatment in 2020 and 2021.

At the time, Vanessa spoke to The Sligo Champion about her experience of bowel cancer, and she wanted to share her story in order to raise awareness of symptoms people should look out for.

“With permission of my family, we want to spread the word to check symptoms, and if you have symptoms don’t just put it to one side cause you’re embarrassed.

“You don’t be long getting over that. That’s one thing I want to highlight.

“Doctors are there. And if you’re gut is telling you something then go with that.

“People are so scared of going to the GP. I was so scared but I have had three kids. Even the bleeding, you kind of know what’s nearly normal and what’s not.

“If the blood is in your stool, it’s not normal. It was apparent to me, I think I had a bad gut feeling.

“Check yourself, don’t ignore any changes in your body, and don’t be afraid to push for the care you feel you need, go with your gut.”

And poignantly, she said she hoped people appreciated the simple things more.