Oh, dear readers, gather ’round for the latest installment of that riveting series we call "Death Notices," because nothing says excitement quite like a list of the dearly departed! But fret not—this isn’t your ordinary obituary reading. Here, we’ve got a few jewels to brighten up your Monday!
First up, we’ve got Michael Cuddy, who apparently "passed away peacefully in the wonderful & loving care of the Nurses and Staff." Let’s be honest, when’s the last time anyone mentioned cremating a pun? Come on, Michael, leaving us with a funeral that draws its own crowd? At least he had the decency to go in style. And did you catch that? His funeral will be live-streamed! You know, in case you missed your chance to say goodbye in person, or if you just fancy a drama show on your Facebook feed—because why should “rest in peace” mean you can’t have an audience!
Next, we have the lovely Margaret (Peggy) Conroy, the “adored mother” of Dean and Lorraine. It’s always heartwarming when family members can be described with such flair, isn’t it? You can practically hear the family get-togethers—“Well, this is the last time we’re all together, so let’s make it special!” Nothing brings relatives together like a funeral. And yes, she too gets a livestream—because once upon a time the dearly departed had to make do with just a good ol’ metal plaque!
Moving on, let’s not forget Patricia (Pat) Cuddy, née Mullagh, who bravely battled illness before saying her final goodbye. Now, if you’ve got a family tree as tangled as mine, then let’s take a moment to appreciate how complex these family descriptions can get! It’s like—“Wait, who’s the brother-in-law? Is that by marriage or did he just sort of end up in the family potluck?” Ah, but Pat, you’ll be remembered by your “wonderful friends.” By the way, when did “wonderful friends” become the hallmark of a good existence? Is there a grading scale I missed somewhere?
Then we have Luis Gómez Pèrez, who moved all the way from Spain to Portarlington. That’s right—if you can survive the culture shock, you can also get your own obituary. Just try not to confuse your local pub for an irish fiesta, okay? And yes, they’ve got a lovely funeral service planned, with as many family members from Spain as they can muster. The only thing that could make this more entertaining is if they start their own soccer match post-funeral—because the last thing anyone needs is sad faces at a time like that!
And for the grand finale, the late Stephen Byrne, a member of the Irish Prison Service. Now that’s a job not often celebrated in obituaries! But honestly, if you’re going to check out, do it with a little pizzazz. Perhaps a heartfelt message about how he did what needed to be done—followed by the most intense private funeral script the local priest can muster. It’s like a Netflix biopic waiting to happen!
So, as we trenchantly scroll through yet another list of local deaths, remember: We’re not just mourning; we’re also celebrating potential future Netflix specials. Here’s to the dearly departed! May their lives inspire us all to live a little less casually, and perhaps a little more extraordinarily—after all, if they can get a live-streamed send-off, maybe we should start planning ours a bit better!
And wouldn’t it be lovely if one of them graced us with their presence in the comments, just to throw us all off? Until next time, my delightful audience, keep your spirits up!
Michael Cuddy
Derrynaseera, Camross, Laois
November 10th 2024, peacefully in the loving care of the exceptional Nurses and Staff at St. Brigid’s Hospital, Shaen, Portlaoise, Co. Laois. Michael was a cherished member of the community and his absence will be profoundly felt.
Deeply regretted by his loving sisters, Mary, Margaret, Ann, Philomena and Teresa, brothers in law, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends. His life touched many.
Reposing in Guilfoyle’s Funeral Home, Castletown, Eircode R32 TN84, on Monday evening (Nov 11th) from 5pm, pausing for prayers at 7pm.
Removal on Tuesday morning (Nov 12th) to St. Fergal’s Church, Camross (Eircode R32 VY79) for Funeral Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the adjoining cemetery. Michael’s Funeral Mass can be viewed on the Camross Pastoral Council Facebook page.
Margaret (Peggy) Conroy
Glenlahan, Stradbally Rd., Portlaoise, Laois, R32TK2K
The passing of Peggy Conroy, beloved & devoted wife of Joseph, has left a significant void in the lives of her family and friends. Adored mother of Dean and Lorraine, Peggy was a pillar of strength and love.
Sadly missed by her loving family; son-in-law Christian, daughter-in-law Mary, grandchildren Eva and Gavin, sister Ber, nieces, nephews, extended family, relatives, and friends. Her warmth and generosity will be remembered by all.
Reposing at her home on Monday evening from 5pm to 7pm, with a Rosary recital at 7pm.
Removal on Tuesday at 11.20am to arrive at SS Peter & Paul’s Church for the 12.00 noon Requiem Mass, followed by interment in SS Peter & Paul’s Cemetery. The Requiem Mass can be viewed through the Portlaoise Parish livestream link: Webcam – Portlaoise Parish
Patricia (Pat) Cuddy, (née Mullagh)
Killanure, Mountrath, Co Laois
Pat passed away peacefully on the 8th of November 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family after an illness bravely borne. Predeceased by her father Michael (Mick) Mullagh, she was a devoted wife and treasured mother.
Dearly beloved wife of Martin and adored mother to Claire, Sara, John, and Martina. She will be profoundly missed by her mother Kathleen (Grealish), sister Kitty, brother Michael, along with family in Oxford who held her dear.
Reposing at Burke’s Funeral Home Mountrath on Sunday evening (10th November) from 5 o’clock, concluding with a Rosary at 8 o’clock. Requiem Mass on Monday afternoon (11th November) at 12 noon in St. Fergal’s Church Camross, followed by burial in the adjoining Cemetery. Pat’s Requiem Mass will also be live streamed.
Luis Gómez Pèrez
Madrid, Spain/Mountmellick Road, Portarlington
Peacefully surrounded by his loving family in Portarlington, Luis is sadly missed by his devoted wife Frances (Earley), son Alvin, daughter-in-law Sueann, granddaughters Elsa, Elena, and Lucia, and his entire family both in Ireland and Spain.
Reposing at Maher’s Chapel of Rest Portarlington (eircode R32 X5XV) on Sunday evening, November 10th from 4pm. Removal at 5:50pm arriving at St Michael’s Church, Portarlington at 6:30pm. Requiem Mass will be held in St Michael’s Church on Monday, November 11th at 12 noon, followed by funeral to St Michael’s Cemetery Portarlington.
Evening Prayers on Sunday 10th November from 6:30pm, and the Requiem Mass on 11th November will be streamed live.
Stephen Byrne
The Orchard, Maryborough Village, Portlaoise, Laois/Mountmellick, Laois
The death has occurred of Stephen Byrne from The Orchard, Maryborough Village, Portlaoise, and formerly of Emmett Street, Mountmellick, Co. Laois. He was predeceased by his loving father Stephen and aunt Kitty Lynch (Emmett Street Mountmellick). Tragically, he died unexpectedly at home. Stephen was a dedicated member of the Irish Prison Service, Portlaoise Prison.
Deeply mourned by his loving wife Hazel and his adored daughters Sarah & Olivia, along with his devoted mother Peggy and his in-laws Tony and Sheila Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by brothers-in-law, relatives, neighbours, colleagues, and numerous friends.
Reposing in Moloney’s Funeral Home, Mountmellick (R32 PC95) on Monday, November 11th from 5pm. A recital of the Rosary will occur at 7pm. The removal on Tuesday morning to St. Joseph’s Church Mountmellick, arriving for the 11 o’clock Requiem Mass, followed by cremation at Dardistown Crematorium at 3.30pm. The Funeral Mass can be viewed live on the parish webcam.
Jackie Burke
Mountmellick, Laois
Jackie passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family, leaving behind fond memories and a legacy of love.
Reposing in Moloney’s Funeral Home, Mountmellick (R32 PC95) on Sunday 10th of November from 4pm. A recital of the Rosary will take place at 6pm, followed by a removal on Monday morning to St. Joseph’s Church in Mountmellick, arriving for 11 O’clock Requiem Mass.
Burial will take place afterwards in St. Joseph’s Cemetery Mountmellick. The Funeral Mass can also be viewed live on the parish webcam.
Nonjabulo Makhanya
Lios an Óir, Charleville, Cork/Portlaoise, Laois
Nonjabulo, originally from Durban, South Africa, and living in Lios an Óir, Charleville, formerly of Buttercup, Portlaoise, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, November 3rd, 2024.
Predeceased by her loving parents Jubilee Zu and Thembeni Victoria, Nonjabulo was a cherished mother to Odwa Awethu and Lwandile, and a beloved grandmother.
Deeply regretted by her loving family, including siblings, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral arrangements are being finalized and will be updated on Tuesday, November 12th.
SEE ALSO – Deaths in Laois – Sunday, November 10, 2024
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Unday evening (November 10th) from 4pm. A Rosary will be recited at 7pm. Following this, Jackie will be removed on Monday morning (November 11th) at 10.30am to arrive at St. Joseph’s Church, Mountmellick for Requiem Mass at 11am, followed by burial in the local cemetery. The Requiem Mass will be live streamed for those unable to attend in person. Jackie will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who will remember her kindness and unwavering spirit.
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These announcements reflect the profound loss felt by families and communities. The love, respect, and cherished memories of each individual highlight the unique lives they lived and the impact they had on those around them.
