Beloved Limerick Woman Dererca Devane Passes Away at
Dererca Devane, affectionately known as Darkie to her friends and loved ones, sadly passed away on December 7, 2024, after a brief illness. She was surrounded by her family, finding comfort and strength in their love, and was cared for by the outstanding staff of University Hospital Limerick and her devoted GP, Dr. Valerie Keating.
Born Dererca Houlihan, she was a cherished wife to Kevin, a loving mother to Sinéad and Des, and a doting grandmother to Katelyn, Dessie, Tiernan, and Fionn. Her warmth and kindness extended beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of her sister Bridie, brother Pat, son-in-law Alan, daughter-in-law Eimear, sisters-in-law Kathleen, Marie, Frances, and Kate, brothers-in-law Paddy and John, as well as numerous nephews, nieces, friends, and neighbors.
Dererca’s spirit was marked by warmth and generosity. Her passing leaves an immense void in the lives of those who knew her. She will be profoundly missed by all who were fortunate enough to share in her life.
"Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-anam dílis."
Funeral Arrangements
Dererca will be reposing at Thompson’s Funeral Home on Thomas Street on Sunday evening, December 8th, from 6 pm to 7:30 pm. Her funeral Mass will be held at the Church of St. Mary Magdalene in Monaleen on Monday, December 9th, at 12 noon, followed by burial in Kilmurry Cemetery.
The family kindly requests that their privacy be respected during this difficult time.
Dererca’s Requiem Mass will be live-streamed here for those who wish to join in remembrance from afar.
What insights does the 1987 interview with Toni Morrison offer about her creative process and the themes explored in “Beloved”?
## Beloved: Revisiting a Literary Masterpiece
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Today we’re diving into the world of literary greats with a focus on Toni Morrison’s powerful novel, “Beloved.” Joining me is Dr. Emily Carter, a renowned scholar of American literature. Dr. Carter, thank you so much for being here.
**Dr. Carter:** It’s a pleasure to be here.
**Host:** We recently uncovered a rare interview with Toni Morrison from 1987, where she discusses “Beloved” in depth. [[1](https://lithub.com/watch-a-rare-recording-of-one-of-toni-morrisons-earliest-interviews-about-beloved/)]
What were some of the key insights you gleaned from this unearthed gem?
**Dr. Carter:** This interview is truly invaluable. It offers a raw and intimate glimpse into Morrison’s creative process. She talks about the immense weight of slavery’s legacy and how it shaped not only the narrative of “Beloved” but also the characters themselves. She emphasizes that her characters are meant to be “large as life,” showcasing the resilience and strength of Black individuals in the face of unimaginable hardship.
**Host:** It’s fascinating to see how passionate she was about exploring these complex themes, even in the early stages of the novel’s reception.
**Dr. Carter:** Absolutely. It speaks volumes about Morrison’s commitment to amplifying Black voices and experiences. “Beloved” is a powerful testament to that commitment, forcing us to confront the enduring traumas of slavery and the complexities of memory and identity.
**Host:** What do you think continues to resonate with readers today about “Beloved”?
**Dr. Carter:** The novel’s themes of family, community, trauma, and healing remain incredibly relevant. Morrison’s prose is both beautiful and searing, leaving a lasting impact on anyone who reads it. “Beloved” is a masterpiece that begs to be revisited and reinterpreted with each generation.
**Host:** Dr. Carter, thank you so much for sharing your expertise and insights with us. It’s been a pleasure having you.
**Dr. Carter:** Thank you for having me.
