Phyllis Goldrick (née McDermott), a cherished resident of Cloonloo, Boyle, Co. Sligo, passed away peacefully on January 18th, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was under the compassionate care of the North West Hospice in Sligo, where she spent her final moments in comfort.
Phyllis was predeceased by her beloved husband, Thomas, her parents, Elizabeth and Roger, and her sisters, Lillie and May.her passing leaves a profound void in the lives of her daughters, tina and Majella, her sons, Matthew, Thomas, and Eamon, and her son-in-law, Paul Gunning. She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren—Adam, Dylan, Rachael, and Daniel—her brother, Gerald, sister-in-law, Pat, and a wide circle of nieces, nephews, extended family, neighbors, and friends.
As the community mourns her loss, the words of comfort, “May Phyllis’ Gentle Soul Rest In Eternal Peace,” resonate deeply with all who knew her.
Friends and family are invited to pay their respects at Mahon’s Funeral Home in Boyle (F52ND23) on Monday, January 20th, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Her remains will be removed from her home on Tuesday, January 21st, to St. Joseph’s Church in cloonloo, where the Mass of the resurrection will be held at 12:00 noon. Following the service,Phyllis will be laid to rest in Templeronan Cemetery.
The family kindly requests privacy during this time,with the house remaining closed to visitors.
For those unable to attend in person, Phyllis’ Funeral Mass will be live-streamed on the Mahon and O’Dowd Funeral Directors’ Facebook page. You can access the live stream by visiting www.facebook.com/boylefuneralhome.
Messages of sympathy and support can be shared through the condolence section below, offering comfort to the family during this tough time.
What role did community support play in Phyllis Goldrick’s life, and how can that type of support be helpful during times of grief?
Remembering Phyllis Goldrick: A Life of Love and Legacy in Cloonloo, Co. Sligo
Interview with Dr. Siobhan O’Connor,Grief Counselor and Family Therapist
Q: Dr. O’Connor, the passing of Phyllis Goldrick has deeply touched the community of Cloonloo. Can you share your thoughts on how such a loss impacts both the family and the wider community?
Dr. O’Connor: Losing someone like Phyllis, who was clearly a cornerstone of her family and community, creates a ripple effect of grief.Her warmth and compassion touched so many lives, and her absence leaves a void that will be felt for a long time. For the family, this is a deeply personal loss, but the community also grieves because she was a source of connection and comfort for many.
Q: Phyllis was under the care of the North West Hospice in Sligo during her final moments.How significant is end-of-life care in situations like this?
Dr. O’Connor: End-of-life care is crucial, not just for the patient but for the family as well. The North West Hospice provided Phyllis with dignity and comfort,allowing her to spend her final moments surrounded by loved ones.This kind of care can make an immeasurable difference in the grieving process, offering families a sense of peace during an incredibly tough time.
Q: The family has requested privacy while also inviting the community to pay their respects at Mahon’s Funeral Home. How do you navigate this balance between public mourning and private grief?
Dr. O’Connor: It’s a delicate balance. Public gatherings, like the visitation at Mahon’s Funeral Home, allow the community to come together and offer support. At the same time, the family needs space to process their grief privately. Respecting these boundaries is essential—it allows the family to heal while still feeling the love and support of their community.
Q: Phyllis’ funeral will be live-streamed for those unable to attend. How has technology changed the way we grieve and remember loved ones?
dr.O’Connor: Technology has revolutionized grief and remembrance. Live-streaming funeral services, like the one for Phyllis, allows people who are geographically distant or unable to attend in person to be part of the ceremony.It’s a way to bridge the gap and ensure that no one is left out of the collective process of mourning and honoring a loved one.
Q: Phyllis leaves behind a large family, including children, grandchildren, and extended relatives.What advice woudl you offer to those who are navigating such a significant loss?
Dr. O’Connor: Grief is a deeply personal journey, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. My advice would be to lean on one another, share stories, and celebrate Phyllis’ life in ways that feel meaningful. It’s also critically important to seek support when needed, whether through counseling, community groups, or simply talking to a trusted friend.
Q: what do you think Phyllis’ legacy will be for her family and the community of Cloonloo?
Dr. O’Connor: Phyllis’ legacy will undoubtedly be one of love, resilience, and community. She was a beacon of kindness, and her memory will live on through her family, her grandchildren, and the countless lives she touched.Her life reminds us of the importance of connection and the enduring impact of a generous spirit.
Thought-Provoking question for Readers: How do you honor the memory of loved ones who have passed? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.
