RIP: 'A lady from head to toe' - Beloved Kilkenny character fondly remembered
From this week's Castlecomer Notes in the Kilkenny People
The death occurred of Mary Ryan (née Kavanagh) Ardra, and formerly of Byrnesgrove, Ballyragget in the company of those nearest and dearest to her at St Luke's Hospital, Kilkenny.
A lady from head to toe, she was a great support to all her neighbours in her beloved Ardra. Mary worked for many years at Comer Mills where she looked after the offices meticulously.
She was also a loyal member of the North Kilkenny Wheelchair Association for over 25 years, how she enjoyed the trips away and the banter that ensued. A lifelong member of the Pioneers she travelled regularly on Pilgrimages to both Knock and Lourdes. She enjoyed the tranquillity of her garden daily tending to all the flowers, sport too was important to her she had a special grá for Manchester United.
Mary’s grandchildren were the light of her life and she took great interest in their careers as they progressed to adulthood.
She was laid to rest in the Parish Cemetery after Requiem Mass celebrated in the Church of the Immaculate Conception by Fr. Ian Doyle, Associate Priest Castlecomer assisted by Fr. Richard Scriven P.P. Castlecomer.
Predeceased by her husband Sean, mother Molly Kavanagh, brothers Michael, Johnny and Charlie.
She will be sadly missed by her sons James and John; daughters Ann, Josephine and Lisa Brooks; sons-in-law Gerry Molloy, John Butler; daughters-in-law Mary and Valerie; grandchildren Jamie, Lisa, Kieran, Patrick and David; other relatives; kind neighbours and a wide circle of friends.