Johanna (98) was a woman of great faith and courage
THE SAD passing took place of Johanna Roice (née Beale) on March 26.
Johanna, who celebrated her 98th birthday on March 18, passed away in St John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy, surrounded by her loving children: her son Jim, daughters Aileen and Liz; and extended family.
Born in Thomas Street, Wexford, Johanna had a long, fulfilled life. Being one of seven siblings, she always spoke glowingly of her early years and had wonderful memories of happy times.
Johanna worked for some years in Healy and Collins fabric shop where, as a gifted dressmaker, she was in her element.
She enjoyed working with the public and advising on fabrics and patterns. To this day, some of her beautiful creations still exist. Always a lady of great style, Johanna always looked her best and took great pride in her appearance - she was a perfectionist in every way.
On meeting her beloved husband Ned, Johanna settled down to married life, continuing to sew and manage her home. She was a wonderful homemaker and was gifted at turning her hand to any jobs that needed to be done.
Looking after her beloved husband and her four children was her true vocation and, indeed, when Ned went to England to work, she became both mother and father to them.
Tragically, their happy life was shattered when their beloved daughter Siobhan was killed in the Dublin Bombings of 1974, and it was only her great faith that helped her to shoulder that cross.
Devoting her time to church and prayer, Johanna had great admiration for the Adoration Sisters and found comfort in attending prayer meetings, as well as joining the Schoenstatt Sisters for prayer meetings and travelling with them to Germany and France. This gave her life new meaning. A woman of great faith and courage, there was no room in her heart for bitterness.
Johanna was so proud of her children and showed her love for them daily, always a giver of sound advice and ready with a listening ear – she was always slow to judge.
With the arrival of her beloved grandchildren, Johanna was always on hand for babysitting and helping in every way. The door to Number 9 was always open with a welcome on the mat. Her kindness and gentle ways were reflected in all aspects of her life.
Sadly, when her beloved husband Ned passed away in 2012 Johanna’s health deteriorated and she was welcomed into the loving home of her son Jim and daughter-in-law Marion. She spent three happy years there, being cared for with love and kindness by her family, and also a great support team of carers.
Johanna spent her last remaining years in St John’s Hospital, Enniscorthy, where she was much loved and cared for.
Her Funeral Mass was held in the Church of the Assumption, Bride Street, on March 28 with burial afterwards in St Ibar’s Cemetery alongside her beloved daughter Siobhan and husband Ned.
May her gentle soul Rest In Peace. (This obituary has had some details clarified from a previous publication.)